Celtic poised to complete Turnbull deal

Celtic are poised to complete the signing of David Turnbull from Motherwell, 14 months after their original move for the midfielder collapsed.

The champions are understood to have agreed a fee of around £3 million for the 21-year-old, who is expected to become their third permanent signing of the summer transfer window following the captures of Greek international goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas

and swiss striker Albian Ajeti. Turn bull, pictured, initially agreed personal terms with Celtic in June 2019, having earlier been on the verge of joining Norwich City. But the player’s medical revealed a serious knee issue which required surgery, prompting Celtic to call off the deal.

Turnbull, Scotland’s Young Player of the Year in the 2018-19 campaign when he scored 15 goals in an exceptional first full season in the Motherwell first team, was sidelined for eight months after the operation before returning to action for the Fir Park club shortly before last season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He remained firmly on the radar of Celtic manager Neil Lennon whose high opinion of the player was reinforced by his performances for Motherwell at the start of this season.

The arrival of Turnbull could accelerate the mooted departure from Celtic of Australian midfielder Tom Rogic who has been linked with a £4 million move to the Qatar Stars League.