Mika Baur has 'heart set' on joining Celtic and wants move immediately
Mika Baur has his heart set on a move to Celtic and wants to make the move from Paderborn as soon as possible, sources have told Football Insider.
The Scottish giants are in advanced talks with Paderborn over a move for the 22-year-old right now.
He has been identified as a top target in midfield for Celtic after entering the final year of his contract with the German side, which expires in June 2027.
Martin O'Neill is keen to bolster his midfield options as several key stars are linked with exits ahead of the new campaign.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Baur wants to join Celtic and they are trying to wrap up a deal as quickly as possible.
He was left out of Paderborn's midweek friendly against Southampton, with the Bundesliga club citing illness as the reason for his absence.
Mika Baur to Celtic advancing as personal terms agreed
Baur registered nine goal contributions in 33 league games last season as he fired Paderborn to promotion from the 2. Bundesliga and won their Player of the Year award.
He has reportedly agreed personal terms with Celtic, with the hold-up over a full agreement coming down to the transfer fee involved.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "It's an ongoing situation. Celtic are very keen to get a deal over the line with Baur if they can. He was left out of a pre-season friendly in midweek by the German club. Maybe that tells you everything you need to know, and that the player is keen to make that move to Glasgow as well.
"With the player keen on a move to Celtic Park, I'm sure there's a willingness from the player and from Celtic to try and get this deal over the line as soon as possible.
"Celtic are in need of reinforcements, especially in midfield, and that's why they're very keen to get this deal for Baur over the line."
What is the latest on Arne Engels to West Ham?
Baur has been identified as a Hoops target to partially replace Belgian midfielder Engels, who shone last term and looks set to leave Parkhead soon.
Sources exclusively told Football Insider earlier this week that West Ham were planning an offer for Engels that would blow their transfer rivals out of the water.
Reports on Friday have claimed that the Hammers' opening bid for his services has been rejected by Celtic.
Their offer was believed to be lower than the £25million mark, with the Hoops holding out for the Championship club to meet that figure before agreeing to a sale.