Report: £4m Celtic deal is 'imminent'

By Will Butcher

The Daily Record have given an update on the pursuit of Swedish defender Carl Starfelt, claiming a deal is ‘imminent’. Fabrizio Romano initially said that Celtic are keen on the Rubin Kazan defender. Now, a report from the Record claim a deal is close, with a fee expected in the region of £4million.

Starfelt, 26, has caught the eye after an excellent season in Russian football. During 2019-20, the six-time Sweden international only played 11 times for Kazan. But last term, he became first choice and clocked up 31 appearances. He helped his side keep 11 clean sheets in 29 league games.

A decent return. Now, his form has caught the attention of Celtic and a deal is close. It is claimed by the Record that Ange Postecoglou could make him his first signing at £4million – with a deal now ‘imminent’. Sterfelt remains in pre-season training with Rubin Kazan ahead of a summer move.

Celtic transfer news: Starfelt solid, but Celtic need two centre-backs

That is, even despite the breakthrough talent of Stephen Welsh. The Hoops have lost Shane Duffy and are about to sell Kris Ajer – with Norwich City pushing hard. So, it leaves Celtic with just Christopher Jullien and Welsh – while Nir Bitton is naturally a midfielder. Two centre-backs are needed.

Starfelt is an excellent addition, while Celtic are also in talks to sign Tottenham outcast Cameron Carter-Vickers – with a fee of £5million needed. If Celtic can get both Starfelt and Carter-Vickers for £9million, less than the fee they want for Ajer – then it is brilliant business.

In other Celtic transfer news aside from Starfelt, Mat Ryan has given hope to the Hoops by answering “haggis”.