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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Celtic transfer bulletin as Mohammad Abu Fani set for exit green light and Mikey Johnston stumbling block emerges

Celtic will start their Scottish Premiership title defence on Sunday but that doesn't mean the transfer business will be left behind in pre-season.

Ange Postecoglou has admitted there are plenty more "comings and goings" this summer on the cards this summer with the countdown on for the start of the Hoops' competitive action against Aberdeen at Celtic Park. Aaron Mooy and Mortiz Jenz are the latest recruits in the door, but after a relentless run of deals it will feel like an age for supporters since a new recruit was snapped holding a Celtic scarf aloft at their unveiling.

Postecoglou has been searching for a midfield enforcer all summer with Vinicius Souza opting for a move to Espanyol. However, Mohammad Abu Fani could fill that void. Maccabi Haifa have left the door open for a potential summer exit admitting they would accept a "suitable offer" for the player once they had complete their Champions League second round qualifiers.

Mohammad Abu Fani of Maccabi Haifa has been linked with Celtic (Getty Images)

They go into the second leg against Olympiacos tonight knowing a win over the Greek side would secure a Europa Conference League spot as a minimum. Eintracht Frankfurt, Standard Liege and Royal Antwerp are all keeping tabs on the Israel international. Haifa are understood to value the 24-year-old at around £800,000.

However, the option to add Fausto Vera to the Celtic midfielder has officially been brought to an end by Corinthians. The Argentinian was unveiled the latest recruit for the Brazilian giants on Tuesday.

Following the deal, Vera claimed the fans were vital in his decision to remain in South America over a move to Europe, with K.A.A Gent also linked with a move. He said: “Very happy and happy to be joining Corinthians. I am very grateful to the fans, who, since the rumours began that I could arrive, gave me great support and were very important for my decision-making."

In terms of outgoings, Mikey Johnston has been linked with a loan move away from the Scottish champions. The 23-year-old's game time has been extremely limited under Postecoglou following his return from injury with his last appearance coming in March against Dundee United.

Reports suggest that Standard Liege and former boss Ronny Deila have offered Johnston the chance to kickstart his career and prove his fitness in Belgium. But Sudinfo report the 23-year-old is not keen on the move.

The Belgian outlet state: "Even though there is interest from the Rouches in Mikey Johnston, the player would like to stay in Scotland." English Championship and League One sides have also reportedly registered their interest in the winger.

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