Celtic transfer target Mika Baur makes a scoring return for Paderborn

Mika Baur was back in action for Paderborn today, starting their friendly away to Osnabruck.

On July 21 Fabrizio Romano claimed that Celtic had agreed terms for the German u-21 midfielder.

Clearly his club haven’t gone along with that deal and whatever offers Celtic have made.

With a year left on Baur’s contract a transfer fee is bound to interest Paderborn but it seems that Celtic have still to reach that figure.

Baur’s absence from Wednesday’s friendly against Southampton was noted by expectant Celtic fans.

MIKA BAUR HAS FULLY RECOVERED FROM HIS COLD

Reports of a cold in late July seemed suspicious but three days later Baur is back in action in a pre-season friendly.

Not only back in action but scoring the opening goal on the stroke of half-time.

At Friday’s media conference it seems that Martin O’Neill wasn’t asked for an update on Celtic’s interest in signing Baur.

He was prepared to confirm that Celtic are interested in signing Fares Ghedjemis from Frosinone.

Whatever business is being discussed it seems certain that Celtic will only have two new signings in their squad to face Dundee on Monday night.

Kasper Hogh is match fit after signing from Bodo Glimt. Camilo Duran is in form after scoring in three consecutive pre-season friendlies.

Celtic’s next signing deadline is on August 13 for the Champions League Play Off.

Two changes can be made 24 hours before the first leg which will be played on August 18 or 19.

With interest recorded in Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels retaining current players for the Champions League Play Off could be the priority.

Celtic will find out their opponents on Monday with Kairat Almat offering a potential rematch.

Viking of Norway and LASK of Austria look like the toughest opponents in the unseeded part of the draw.

The Play Off winners go into the draw for the Champions League group stage. The losers pick up a consolation prize of around £5m alongside a place in the Europa League.