Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed that Colombian striker Camilo Duran will undergo his medical on Wednesday before joining the squad in Portugal.
The Hoops have struck a deal with Qarabag for the hitman, with the transfer initially valued at around £3million but rising to £6million if add-ons are triggered.
Duran’s arrival would make him just the second summer signing at the club, following veteran midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s return on a one-year deal.
Oxlade-Chamberlain played only a bit part towards the end of last season before agreeing to stay on for another campaign with the Scottish champions.
Celtic supporters have been growing increasingly frustrated with the club’s transfer activity, having voiced their displeasure following what many considered one underwhelming window too many.
O’Neill has now addressed those concerns directly, insisting that more quality additions are needed and that there are already options being pursued behind the scenes.
“We need some character in the side,” O’Neill told Premier Sports, adding that the squad requires reinforcements capable of making a genuine contribution.
“You sign a lot of players and you need players that can actually help us. I think we do need a bit of help, of course.”
O’Neill was clear that relying on a late-season surge, as happened in the title run-in last term, is not a sustainable model for a club of Celtic’s ambitions.
“It was a really great run last season but you wouldn’t want to be relying on all of that just the same time,” he said during the interview.
“You’re trying to improve the team, that’s the most important thing rather than just standing still. We’ve got some things on the go at this minute.”
O’Neill returned to Parkhead in a permanent capacity after two caretaker stints last season in which he guided Celtic to the title before completing a domestic double.
The Scottish Cup Final victory over Dunfermline capped a remarkable turnaround that cemented O’Neill’s return as a full-time appointment.
He acknowledged that having a full pre-season to work with represents a significant advantage compared to his two rushed interim stints in charge.
“The whole idea of the pre-season from my point of view is to try and implement ideas that you wouldn’t have had time to do before,” O’Neill added.
“It was a rush both times. We’re leaving tomorrow for a few days in Portugal and we’ve got a couple of pre-season friendly matches at Celtic Park, so really looking forward to it.”
With Duran expected to complete his move and join the touring squad, O’Neill made clear that Celtic’s summer business is far from finished as he looks to build a stronger and deeper squad ahead of the new campaign.
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