Celtic told offer will be accepted for Haissem Hassan ‘below his release clause'

Celtic are confident of signing Real Oviedo forward Haissem Hassan for less than his £10million release clause, sources have told Football Insider.

Hassan has been catapulted to worldwide fame after he stunned Argentina during their World Cup round of 16 clash against Egypt last week.

He provided a memorable assist to put his country 2-0 up before they were eventually beaten late on.

Celtic have joined the list of suitors keen on signing him this summer after his impressive exploits, even though he failed to score for Oviedo last season.

They were relegated from La Liga last term, and as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, the Hoops are certain that they will be able to sign him for less than his £10m release clause.

Oviedo will likely be forced to sell Hassan to the highest bidder as he has just entered the final year of his contract, which expires in June 2027.

Celtic can agree cut-price Haissem Hassan deal this summer

Reports from Egypt have claimed that Celtic saw a £3.4m bid for the 24-year-old rejected in the last few days.

Sources have told Football Insider that Celtic plan to send another offer for Hassan soon, with a move set to be completed for less than £10m.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Martin O'Neill is obviously now starting to see the wheels get in motion for some transfer activity at Celtic. He'll be keen to bring in players as quickly as possible for these Champions League qualifiers that are coming up.

"Hassan is a player who would excite a lot of Celtic fans because of how he performed for Egypt at the World Cup, and due to his contract situation and Oviedo getting relegated, they'll be hoping they can land him for cheaper than that release clause."

What has Oviedo's sporting director said about Hassan joining Celtic?

Oviedo will likely be dismayed that serious interest has emerged in Hassan after his World Cup performances, given that his previous release clause was set at £16m before they were relegated.

Their new sporting director, David Fernandez, made it clear at his unveiling last week that the 24-year-old will only leave on their terms this summer.

He said: "One of the main reasons I came was to interact with the ownership. I've been involved in every decision that's been made. Haissem Hassan is owned by Oviedo. We will have a firm policy for bringing in players and managing departures."

It remains to be seen how much Celtic will offer for Hassan, but a move certainly looks likely with Oviedo set to sell him before the window ends.