Celtic XI if transfer rumours are true as deal 'close' for £9m World Cup star + Johnston replacement identified

Celtic have ramped up their transfer activity ahead summer window deadline - and rumours are aplenty on who may arrive between now and September 3rd.

The Hoops have clinched six points from their opening two Premiership games to get their title defence off to a strong start, with a League Cup showdown with Dundee United up next before turning their attention to their Champions League play-off against Austrian side LASK.

With veteran boss Martin O’Neill likely to return to the dugout this weekend after spending time at home recovering from surgery carried out last week. The 74-year-old Irishman was absent for Sunday’s 5-1 demolition of Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, but was fit enough to visit the team hotel and address his squad before they travelled to Ayrshire.

Further incomings and outgoings are expected over the coming days and weeks ahead. Based on recent rumours that have circulated around Celtic, here is what version of the XI could look like once the window slams shut, factoring in possible exits too.

GK - Dinko Horkas

Las Palmas goalkeeper has asked to leave the Spanish club, but they are refusing to let him depart because the lowball offer received from Celtic doesn’t reportedly meet their valuation of the player. Las Palmas officials want £5m and 50 per cent of any future transfer fee, while Celtic have proposed £4m to be paid over four years for the 27-year-old. One to keep a close eye on as the deadline looms.

RB - Therence Koudou

It looks increasingly likely that Alistair Johnston is going to depart the club for a crack at the English Premier League, leaving them short at right-back with only Anthony Ralston as back-up. Club representatives have therefore contacted Belgian side KV Mechelen to inquire about the potential availability of the 21-year-old French and Ivorian defender as a replacement. The Belgian’s will demand around €6.5m for Koudou and while no formal bid has been submitted as of yet, any late move will be dependant on Johnston’s future.

CB - Cameron Carter-Vickers

American international has just returned from a long-term injury but remains Celtic’s best central defensive option. Still a guaranteed starter when fully fit.

CB - Auston Trusty

It’s hard to envisage this area being a position that needs addressing currently, with USA international Trusty impressing so far since returning to Glasgow after his World Cup involvement. Has formed a strong partnership with Carter-Vickers in the opening matches.

LB - Kieran Tierney

Purely cover needed as Celtic’s vastly experienced academy product is still the main man here. Several names have been mentioned, including a possible return for Greg Taylor, who is believed to be keen on leaving Greece in favour of a return to the UK. Whoever does arrive as Tierney’s back-up will likely feature a fair bit in order to give the Scotland international a rest when required amid previous fitness issues.

CM - Callum McGregor

The skipper’s own future remains slightly uncertain amid faint speculation of a move to Saudi Arabia , but it has all gone a bit quiet of late to suggest he will be staying put for another season.

CM - Mika Baur

Celtic retain hope of signing the Paderborn midfielder, albeit the German club are taking a firm stance on his transfer fee at present. The Germany Under-21 international is out of contract next summer, and while agreeing personal terms is not expected to be an issue, his newly-promoted Bundesliga side would prefer to allow his current deal to expire than let him leave this summer. A resolution will be sought sooner rather than later.

LW - Adrian Blake

Rumoured to be high on Celtic’s shortlist and under consideration as they seek to bolster their options on both flanks. Talks have already taken place with Eredivisie outfit FC Utrecht regarding a potential deal for the 21-year-old, who has a valuation of approximately £2.5m, which the Scottish champions will consider good value. They will attempt to negotiate a lower fee due to his contract situation and there is growing confidence that a deal can be completed.

RW - Haissem Hassan

Egyptian international starred at the World Cup for his country and now looks bound for Celtic Park, with the player expected to arrive in the UK on Tuesday as a big-money £6m transfer, with performance-related add-ons that could potentially increase the total value to nearly £9m, nears completion. Celtic will be desperate to have Hassan in the door in time for their Champions League tie a week on Wednesday.

ST - Camilo Duran

Colombian frontman hit the goal trail during pre-season and looks a tailor-made starter, but hasn’t been as effective playing on the right-hand side of attack. Celtic’s coaching staff must find a formation that allows Duran to play through the middle as a two with Kasper Hogh.

ST - Kasper Hogh

Bodo/Glimt’s former goal machine notched a hat-trick on just his second start at the weekend and is sure to get supporters out of their seats this season. Looks every inch an £11m striker.