Clock ticking down on Russell deal

Celtic have got four days to sign Johnny Russell.

Last night Dundee United and Derby County agreed a deal believed to be in the region of £750,000 to take the striker to the Midlands.

Russell is currently on holiday but will travel to Derby on Monday to undergo a medical and finalise the deal.

Neil Lennon has been a long term admirer of the Scotland u-21 striker who is believed to be keen on a move to Celtic.

Dundee United would rather sell the striker to England but an additional £100,000 or a loan player would make a significant difference to Jackie McNamara’s budget for the new season.

The Tannadice boss has already lost Willo Flood and Jon Daly since the season ended with United in the process of significantly lowering their wage bill.

Lennon has been reluctant to sign SPL players but Russell fits a similar profile to Anthony Stokes who has averaged over 15 goals a season since Celtic paid Hibs £800,000 for his services in August 2010.

On Monday the Celtic boss said: “We like Russell as a player and always have done. We are monitoring the situation at the minute.”

Celtic’s wage bill will be significantly reduced at the end of this month when Daryl Murphy, Lassad Nouioui, Miku, Paddy McCourt and Thomas Rogne run out of contract.

With over £20m profit banked from the Champions League campaign Celtic are in a strong position financially but are likely to bring in £5m less from season ticket sales after announcing across the board reductions of £100.

Those factors won’t have a significant bearing on the club’s transfer policy which is geared at attracting young emerging talent with a sell-on value.

On every check Russell fits the bill to be a Celtic player with the club having until Monday to bring the Coatbridge boy to Celtic Park.