Hoops closing in on new defender
Celtic are closing in on a centre-back to mitigate an injury crisis at Parkhead.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers looks like he may have found his solution to the Hoops’ injury crisis in defence as he closes in on a deal to sign an experienced Premier League star, according to reports.
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Honduras international winger Luis Palma has completed his medical and sealed a move to the Scottish giants from Greek outfit Aris Thessaloniki for a fee in the region of £3.5 million, including bonuses.
Celtic are also lining up a swoop for Benfica youngster Paulo Bernardo on a loan deal to bolster Rodgers’ depth in midfield before the transfer window concludes. Despite the 21-year-old having an enormous £90 million release clause in his Benfica contract, it is claimed that his current employers would be willing to renegotiate this in order to potentially include a purchase option into any prospective deal to take Bernardo to Glasgow.
Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has also issued an update involving Celtic’s search for a striker in the final days of market activity, stating:
“Bologna striker Sydney van Hooijdonk is another player who has been on Celtic’s radar this summer. His future still remains uncertain. @SkySportDe are reporting that Wolfsburg have made initial contact for the 23-year-old, who is the son of Hoops icon Pierre van Hooijdonk.”
Denmark Under-21 international Matt O’Riley has been the subject of a rejected bid for his services from Championship outfit Leeds United and it is also believed that Serie A side Bologna are keen on the former Milton Keynes Dons playmaker, as per The Scottish Sun.
The Hoops also have something of an injury crisis in central defence to contend with at present, with Maik Nawrocki, Stephen Welsh, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Yuki Kobayashi all sidelined due to various injury concerns.
Celtic fined by Uefa for fans’ anti-monarchy banner in Warsaw
Celtic have been fined more than £13,000 by Uefa after fans displayed an offensive anti-monarchy banner during their Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk in Warsaw last month.
The banner was held up by a section of fans six days after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Europe’s governing body said it was “not fit for a sports event”.
Celtic were also fined more than £3,000 for pyrotechnics used before their home match with Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Rangers have been fined almost £13,000 by Uefa after receiving six bookings – two for defender James Sands as he was sent off after 55 minutes – in their Champions League match against Napoli.
Heart of Midlothian were fined £2600 for fans lighting fireworks during their Europa Conference League match at home to Istanbul Basaksehir and more than £2,000 after supporters threw objects on to the pitch against RFS in Latvia.
RFS were fined £3,500 for the improper conduct of their team during the same game.
