Revealed: Celtic expect to sign wide man by 5 October amid two new twists
Celtic are confident of having a deal in place to sign Charlton Athletic defender Alfie Doughty by the transfer cut-off, Football Insider understands.
The Scottish champions are preparing to submit a third bid for the left-back, 20, after two previous bids were rejected by the Addicks.
A Celtic source has told Football Insider that the club expect a new offer of £800,000 including add-ons to be accepted by the London club.
Charlton are expected to insist a sell-on clause is included in the deal as they face up to the prospect of losing the young star.
Manager Lee Bowyer confirmed to the South London Press earlier this month that the London outfit had turned down an offer for Doughty from the Hoops.
Celtic want a new left-sided defender signed up after Boli Bolingoli’s loan move to Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir.
Neil Lennon's side are well placed to secure a deal as Doughty is out of contract next summer and they could sign him on a pre-contract on 1 January.
Celtic director of football Nick Hammond has led the pursuit of Doughty and has recently watched him in action.
Cross-border compensation at the end of the season would be minimal and that has given Celtic confidence of finalising a deal by 5 October.
Lennon wants a left footer who can slot in at left-back or in the left wing-back position that is key to his team's new set-up.
Greg Taylor is the champions’ only recognised left-back and Lennon used James Forrest at wing-back on the left side in Saturday's 5-0 thrashing of Ross County.