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Daily Record
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Robbie Copeland

Celtic transfer state of play as Abildgaard arrives, Johnston update and clock ticks for McCarthy

It's looking set to be a photo-finish to what has already been a busy window for Celtic.

Ange Postecoglou could hardly have asked for a better start to the season with a 100 per cent record in all competitions at this stage but he's insisted there's still room for improvement. And it seems Denmark international Oliver Abildgaard is just what he had in mind as he gets set to follow his former teammate Sead Haksabanovic to Glasgow.

Talks have been ongoing since Wednesday and Football Scotland now report he has arrived in Glasgow to get the deal finalised. He's expected to pen an initial season-long loan as he adds further depth to a midfield that already features Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, David Turnbull, Matt O'Riley and Aaron Mooy among others. Given the incredible competition for places, his arrival could spark an outgoing or two - with James McCarthy a big earner that could move on.

(oliverabildgaardnielson on Instagram)

He signed on a free transfer last summer but has been a bit-part player having failed to force his way into Postecoglou's starting XI. The former Crystal Palace man hasn't played in the league this season and only managed 14 minutes off the bench for the heavily-rotated side that beat Ross County in the cup.

A return to England is the most likely option for 42-time Ireland cap McCarthy, who previously played for Everton and Wigan as well as Palace down south. But if he does want to move on, it will need to come soon with the window fast approaching the finish line.

One player who looks more likely to leave is winger Mikey Johnston. Haksabanovic's arrival pushed him further down the pecking order with Jota, Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda among the wide options for Postecoglou.

He's been in talks over a loan move to Portugal with Vitoria Guimares who remain firm favourites to sign him. Hearts are also interested according to the Edinburgh Evening News with Robbie Neilson scrambling to add a new attacker following the injury to Liam Boyce. Celtic are keen to get the 23-year-old playing regularly after struggling for game-time at Parkhead but it's unclear if they prefer Tynecastle or a move to the continent for the winger. It is believed he turned down a loan move to Aberdeen in the last window.

Finally, with Albian Ajeti away, you can expect another striker to come in. Postecoglou’s recruitment team will certainly be working on it. Ryan Mmaae anyone?

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