Mark McKenzie is in the final stages of completing his transfer to Belgian side Genk.
Celtic were strongly linked with the Philadelphia Union defender during the summer transfer window but that tailed off after the loan deal for Shane Duffy was completed.
With Chris Jullien facing a three to four month lay off due to damaged knee ligaments there is a pressing need to bring in a new central defender but it seems too late to bring in McKenzie.
KRC Genk are finalising a deal with Philadelphia Union for defender Mark McKenzie.@SkySportsNews understands the two clubs have been locked in negotiations over the festive period and are now close to agreeing a fee, which could rise to nearly £5m.
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) January 4, 2021
Last month Joseph spoke to McKenzie about a possible move to Celtic.
At the age of 22 McKenzie’s next career step is to move to Europe following two full seasons in the Philadelphia Union define and regular international football at u-21 level.
A work permit may have become an issue but it seems clear that McKenzie was scouted by Celtic .
With Jullien out injured Hatem Abd Elhamed and Stephen Welsh are in contention to play alongside Kris Ajer and Shane Duffy.
