Celtic have been dealt another setback in the January transfer window, with Juventus reportedly moving closer to an agreement to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Xaver Schlager on a free transfer.
The update comes from a journalist speaking on Fabrizio Romano’s Italian YouTube channel.
Manager Martin O’Neill has been eager to strengthen his squad this month, but with the deadline fast approaching, Celtic have so far added only Julian Araujo and Tomas Cvancara.
The club remains in the market for reinforcements in goal, central defence and on the wings, while also being linked with another striker and a central midfielder.
Schlager had been identified as a potential option for the latter role, though the Swiss international now appears more likely to make a move to Serie A. German outlet 4-4-2 reported last week that Celtic were monitoring the 28-year-old ahead of the expiry of his Leipzig contract this summer.
The Bhoys were understood to be facing competition from both Juventus and AS Roma for Schlager, who joined Leipzig from Wolfsburg in a £10.5m deal in 2022. Leipzig have also been linked with interest in Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, who became the club’s record signing 18 months ago.
That report suggested Leipzig were open to selling Schlager for £4m before Monday’s transfer deadline, but Juventus now appear to be closing in on a pre-contract agreement that would see the midfielder arrive in Italy for free in the summer.
Celtic are believed to be targeting at least two more signings before the 7pm deadline on Monday, though time is rapidly running out.
The lack of progress has frustrated both O’Neill and supporters, particularly after missing out on other reported targets this month.
A move for Jocelin Ta Bi collapsed late on before he completed a switch to Sunderland, while Celtic are also said to be trailing Championship side Stoke City in the race to sign Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.
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