RODGERS IN SWOOP TO SIGN TWO NEW BHOYS
Wilson on radar with Bren plotting second McGinn bid
CELTIC are hopeful of landing Liverpool youngster Harry Wilson, despite interest from a number of clubs, and they will also return to Hibernian with another offer for midfielder John McGinn.
Manager Brendan Rodgers refused to be drawn on specific signing targets after yesterday’s friendly win over Sparta Prague in Austria, but he did admit that the club were working on a number of deals that he hopes will get over the line.
SportTimes understands though that Celtic are keen to get both players on board, particularly with tomorrow night’s
Champions League deadline looming, with Wilson expected to sign a new contract at Liverpool before being farmed out on loan. Celtic can sign one other wildcard player between the deadline and Monday night.
“There is a lot of speculation around players, but I’ll only talk when they are signed and done,” said Rodgers.
“The club are trying to do that.”
Moses Odubajo will however not be a Celtic player next season, with the right-back and the club failing to strike a deal. He is now back training with former club Brentford.
Meanwhile, Moussa Dembele cranked up his bid to be fit for next week’s first-leg of Celtic’s qualifier against Alashkert as he got the only goal of the game i n a hardfought win over Sparta Prague.
“For his 45 minutes, Moussa was everything with power and pace,” Rodgers said.
“It was a different sort of system and the boys looked a real threat and linked-up really well.
“Moussa could have had a hat-trick. He scored a great goal and then, with the two one-on-ones he had, I think he’ll finish them once he’s a bit fitter.”
Rodgers was delighted to round off a successful pre-season trip in Austria with a victory, with the four friendlies and punishing double-sessions on the training pitch helping to get his players ticking over once more for their tilt at Champions League football.
“It’s been a lot of work, and I say a big thank you to the players and all the staff who have been absolutely great,” he said.
“They’ve worked tirelessly through this campaign that we’ve been away.”