Celtic are pushing ahead with transfer activity despite still waiting to confirm their next permanent manager at Celtic Park this summer.
Go Ahead Eagles goalkeeper Jari De Busser has publicly revealed he informed his club he wants to leave ahead of a potential move to the Scottish champions.
The 26-year-old Belgian confirmed the situation is being handled in consultation with Go Ahead Eagles, who have already moved to sign Kjetil Haug from Toulouse as a replacement.
De Busser told VI: “The plan is for me to take the next step. I have said it before, and it is also being done in consultation with the club.”
He added: “They are aware of the situation, and we discussed it before this season. But well, a club has to come forward first.”
Celtic reportedly made tentative enquiries about De Busser, who is valued at around £1.25million as he enters the final year of his contract.
The Hoops require a new goalkeeper to compete with Viljami Sinisalo after Kasper Schmeichel retired at the end of last season following an injury-plagued campaign.
Meanwhile, Celtic have also been monitoring RB Salzburg’s Bobby Clark, who is returning to Austria from his loan spell at Derby County.
Salzburg are expected to sanction a cut-price departure for the former Liverpool starlet, with new sporting director Marcus Mann reportedly keen to reduce the club’s wage bill through Clark’s permanent exit.
Julian Araujo is another player on Celtic’s radar, though Monterrey have reportedly entered the race, with new sporting director Dennis te Kloese already holding talks with the player’s representatives.
Araujo’s previous short-term move to Celtic was cut short through injury, though the Mexican made an impression in Scotland before returning to Bournemouth, with the Hoops understood to be keen on either another loan or a permanent deal.
Celtic have also been handed the opportunity to revive interest in Callum Wilson after the striker confirmed his departure from West Ham following their relegation from the Premier League.
The 34-year-old had appeared set to leave West Ham in January before manager Nuno persuaded him to stay for the club’s ultimately unsuccessful battle against the drop.
Wilson posted to social media: “I’m sad and extremely disappointed that it has ended this way. This club deserves so much better because there are so many unbelievable people behind the scenes that you fans don’t always get to see.”
He continued: “For now, all I can say is thank you. Thank you to everyone who supported us. Your passion is amazing, and I truly hope you return to the Premier League, where you belong, as soon as possible.”
All of this transfer activity is unfolding as Celtic await a managerial appointment, with talks involving Martin O’Neill and Dermot Desmond said to have been delayed.
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