Celtic close in on Kayal deal

Celtic fans could soon be welcoming their sixth new player of the summer as negotiations began with Maccabi Haifa for the £1.2m signing of Israel international Biram Kayal.

The Israeli club last night confirmed the Parkhead club have made an official approach for the 22-year-old holding midfielder who has 12 caps.

As Celtic flew back from their pre-season tour of North America, chief executive Peter Lawwell was reportedly trying to thrash out the deal ahead of last night’s midnight signing deadline for the Champions League qualifier against Braga next week.

Maccabi president Jacob Shahar told the Daily Record: “Celtic have approached us about Biram but they are not the only club interested in him.”

Neil Lennon has signed Joe Ledley, Charlie Mulgrew, Cha Du-Ri, Efrain Juarez and Daryl Murphy since being appointed boss on a permanent basis and is keen to add further to his squad.