Celtic eye 'key' areas in transfer window finale, statement made amid Wolves star chase, ace could exit Hoops

Shaun Maloney says Celtic will be active in the summer transfer window’s final days as he addressed links to Wolves’ Sam Johnstone.

The experienced goalkeeper capped by England is one of several stars on the agenda for Hoops boss Martin O’Neill ahead of Wednesday night’s Europa League squad deadline and Thursday’s summer recruitment period conclusion in Scotland. Assistant Maloney fronted press duties ahead of a home game with Aberdeen on Wednesday.

Mika Baur, Camilo Duran, Kasper Hogh and Hasseim Hassan were signed ahead of this week with more areas eyed. One of those is goalkeeper amid a pursuit of Johnstone, currently frozen out at Wolves, and midfielder Reo Hatate is one who could go the other way.

Who could Celtic sign ahead of deadline day?

“I think the four lads that we brought in we've been really happy with. All the sort of profiles that we needed and certain positions that we've probably needed to fill for probably for about 12 months or so. So we're really happy with those guys. Haissem Hassan will take a bit longer just because he didn't do pre-season with Oviedo. And then there are some key positions that we still need a little bit of work on in the next couple of days, yeah.

“It's the same as outfield. I think that the goalkeeper department, I think Ross Doohan has been really good, really good for Vil, pushing him. But I think we need another extra senior goalkeeper in there to push the two of them. So I think it's the same as outfield for me. Vil's been fantastic for us this season. Whichever goalkeeper comes in, I think you have to say, 'It's up to you. You go and try and push for that position.'

“It's the same for Vil. You have to keep performing at the levels you are to keep the shirt. That has been the same at this club from when I was very, very young to where it is now. That's what it should be in each position.

Who have Celtic signed in midfield?

On Hatate’s exit, Maloney added: “I think it's possible, yes. I have watched Reo Hatate for a long time now. I have coached against him and I think he is a brilliant player. I think what he has done at the club has been really, really good. He has won many titles here. If he does, I will personally miss him. I think he he has been a brilliant player. If he does move on, then we will remember how good a player he was for this club.”

Since Maloney’s comments, Oliver Sorensen has signed on loan from Italian side Parma, with an option to buy. O’Neill said: “Oliver is someone with really good experience, playing at a high level in both Italy and Denmark. He has great energy, he is able to move really well up and down the pitch with strength and can play in a number of positions across the midfield. We are looking forward to working with him and think he can be an important player for us.”

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