Neil Lennon hints at possible recruit as report claims Birger Meling deal is ‘close’

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Celtic’s transfer business this summer looks to be far from over. The Bhoys are still short in a few areas, including at full-back. Whilst Hatem Abd Elhamed and Boli Bolingoli have both arrived, more faces are needed after Mikael Lustig, Cristian Gamboa, Emilio Izaguirre and Kieran Tierney all left this summer. 

When asked if Celtic could have a new addition brought in before Thursday’s Europa League clash with Swedish side AIK boss Neil Lennon hinted to The Scotsman that a deal could be done. 

“Possibly (a signing will arrive before Thursday). Might be cup-tied though.”

However, he also might have given a big clue as to which players might be brought in. 

The fact the recruit could be cup-tied seems to suggest they have already played in Europe this season for another club. 

Which would certainly point the finger at both Birger Meling and Omar Elabdellaoui. Both players have recently been linked with a move to Celtic this month. 

Norwegian left-back Meling appears the most likely. The Rosenborg defender is, according to The Herald, ‘close to agreeing’ a deal to join Celtic. 

The 24-year-old has played six matches for the Norwegian side in their Champions League qualifying campaign. 

Another Norwegian in right-back Elabdellaoui has also been mentioned. He has featured for Olympiakos in Europe this season.

However, given the report from the Herald and Lennon’s cryptic clue, it would appear more likely that it is Meling on his way to Parkhead this week. Hopefully, he can prove a viable replacement for Tierney.