Celtic door opens to sign Silas Andersen as offers ready in huge transfer update
Celtic have just seen a huge opportunity emerge for them to complete the signing of Silas Andersen in the coming days.
The Bhoys are desperately trying to strengthen their squad ahead of the second half of the season, as they prepare for a mouthwatering three-horse title fight in the Premiership.
Football Insider revealed last weekend that Celtic and Rangers are both chasing Andersen this winter, with the pair of Old Firm rivals set to go head-to-head for his signature before the end of the month.
Martin O’Neill and Danny Rohl have both overseen impressive turnarounds at their respective clubs in recent weeks, but a clear favourite has now emerged in their latest transfer battle.
Rangers pull away from Silas Andersen as bids prepared
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday that Hibernian are “expecting offers” for Kieron Bowie before the end of January, with both Rangers and Celtic showing an interest.
The pair of Glasgow giants are shopping in very similar markets so far this winter, with both clubs keen to ensure that they get the upper hand for the title run-in.
However, the Gers have now fallen by the wayside when it comes to the race for Andersen’s signature.
The BK Hacken midfielder is a wanted man, and the Swedish outfit are expecting bids to come in for him from around three to five clubs next week, according to Fotboll Direkt.
However, it is noted that Rangers and Copenhagen have now pulled out of the running for the 21-year-old starlet.
That looks set to leave the door open for Celtic to swoop in, as they now no longer have direct competition if Andersen is keen to switch to a true UK giant.
Sides from the English Championship are also keen on the youngster, but they cannot offer the same level of exposure to top-level leagues that a move to Celtic Park would provide.
How much would Celtic have to pay for Andersen?
Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson recently told Football Insider that Celtic may have paid Wilfried Nancy a £2million compensation package up-front when they dismissed him recently.
The Bhoys are not expected to have cash to burn in the winter market, and as a result, the last thing they will want is to become embroiled in a bidding war for Andersen’s signature.
Fotboll Direkt suggest that Hacken’s previous demands of around £7.3m have not changed, but they also outlined that “easily achievable bonuses” and instalments are likely to be viewed as acceptable as part of a deal.
Andersen is under contract with Hacken until 2028, meaning that it is highly unlikely that Celtic will be able to get him on the cheap, regardless of Rangers’ interest fading away.