Ange Postecoglou says Celtic are still alert to a fifth arrival of this transfer window.
And Giorgos Giakoumakis is closing in on a Parkhead exit with Urawa Red Diamonds pushing closer to sealing a £4million deal for the Greek. Postecoglou says Celtic are in a good space after Oh Hyeon-gyu this week joined Alistair Johnston, Yuki Kobayahsi and Tomoki Iwata on their list of January captures. However, the manager insists that, although it’s more likely to be outs than ins before the deadline, he’s still alive to any last-gasp opportunities.
Asked if business was concluded ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, Postecoglou said: “Well, I could say yes and make it a boring few days for everyone but I’ll just say we’ll continue to be agile and see what happens. But I’m comfortable in the business we have done. We have got the targets that we sort of set out to get in this window.
“If nothing happens, we are in a great space and, if an opportunity comes, then we’ll look at it. We’re always sort of active until the window closes if any opportunities arise.
“But the key thing is we are not going to be scrambling in the last few days looking for solutions. I’m sure there will be some movement. More likely out than in at this stage, but there’s still days to go."
Giakoumakis is the biggest name on the list of potential outgoings. Atlanta United have put forward a loan-to-buy deal, but the MLS outfit have had no success with that proposal.
Giakoumakis is the biggest name on the list of potential outgoings. Atlanta United put forward a loan-to-buy deal but the MLS outfit had no success.
Now Japanese club Urawa, who have offered Celtic a cash deal, are understood to be firmly back in pole position for the 28-year-old. Sources in Greece last night claimed he’s set to talk personal terms with Red Diamonds, with a medical arranged in Amsterdam after the outfit found agreement with Celts.
European clubs are also keen on Giakoumakis with Belgians Anderlecht the latest to assess the Parkhead star’s situation. But the J-League outfit are back as favourites to snare last season’s Premiership top scorer.
Postecoglou says Celtic will only deal if it suits them though, and explained: “There is no great urgency from us or anyone. Giako just wants to explore some options for himself and that is what he is doing. If he finds something he really wants to explore, and it’s suitable to us as a club, we will look at it in that light.”
Hyeongyu Oh isin the manager’s thoughts for a debut at Tannadice, but Postecoglou explained: “He’s had three sessions now and there’s one on Saturday. He was in pre-season training, so, physically, he’s in decent shape.
“He obviously hasn’t played since November, so match fitness wise, he’s out a bit. It’s been a big week for him with the travel physically and emotionally, so, again, it’s one I’ll assess. I’ll see how he is going.
“I’m keen to get him involved as quickly as possible. If it is not this weekend, it’ll definitely be midweek.”
After the hard work done to secure Oh from Suwon Samsung Bluewings, Postecoglou confessed his delight at the speed and stealth of the club’s ability to nail his targets. He said: “The proof is in the pudding. It doesn’t matter when you do your business, it is the business you are doing.
“But certainly for us it has worked well to identify targets early and try to bring them as early as possible. For that to happen, the whole club has to be aligned and we are.
“One side nominates the targets and we work together to get it done. It has worked well for us so far.
“Getting players early and allowing them to settle and we are getting the right ones because they are making a contribution.
“With all these kinds of things, it’s not an exact science. But if we are all aligned and on the same page, I just think there is more chance of success.”
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