8 Celtic transfer storylines as unwanted duo free to go and Idah drops hint

Brendan Rodgers hopes Celtic will finally be able to add some new outfield players to their ranks this week.

The Hoops have made just two signings this summer – goalkeepers Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo – as Rodgers seeks to bolster his squad. The Scottish champions are in the market for a new left-back, central defender, midfielder and striker but have been frustrated in their attempts to do business so far.

Portuguese midfielder Paulo Bernardo is believed to be close to sealing a permanent return to Glasgow and Rodgers hopes to have some new faces on board ahead of flag day on Sunday. He said: “I hope so. You want to have them in as soon as you possibly can. Their current group is working very hard in their own right and we’ll improve the squad over the course of the window.”

The Double-winners returned home today after a superb 12-day pre-season tour of the USA where they defeated DC United, Manchester City and Chelsea – scoring four goals in each game. Here, Football Scotland delivers the current transfer state of play.

The striker dropped a transfer tease on social media last night by reacting to Celtic’s emphatic 4-1 win over Chelsea. Idah wasn’t involved for Norwich in Friday night’s friendly defeat to FC Magdeburg due to a ‘knock’ but was spotted in the stands at Carrow Road. Celts have already had a £4million bid knocked back for the Irishman and although the Canaries are reluctant to sell, the Scottish champions believe a deal can be struck. Crucially, Idah wants to return to Parkhead on a permanent basis.

Reports in Portugal had suggested that Celtic and Benfica had finally agreed terms and that Bernardo was on the verge of signing a five-year deal, barring any medical hitches. As things stand, there has been no movement on that front and Rodgers appeared pour.