Celtic are reportedly nearing a deal for Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo.
According to the Daily Mail, Celtic are closing in on the signing of Rapid Vienna left back Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo – but Peter Ankersen may not join him.
The Bhoys are pressing ahead with a move for Toulouse defender Christopher Jullien, and are still hoping to land David Turnbull despite a medical hitch.
The attention will now turn to landing full backs, with Emilio Izaguirre gone and Kieran Tierney potentially going on the left, whilst both Mikael Lustig and Cristian Gamboa are leaving on the right.
It’s now believed that 23-year-old ace Bolingoli-Mbombo is nearing a move to Celtic, just days after the Daily Mail noted the Bhoys were chasing a deal for the £3m-rated Belgian.
A cousin of Manchester United hitman Romelu Lukaku, Bolingoli-Mbombo is an attack-minded speed demon at left back, and notched two goals and five assists last season.
His price tag means he’s perfect to either come in as competition for Tierney or fight for the spot to replace him if he’s sold, and Celtic will hope to get the deal sorted sooner rather than later.
However, it’s stated that a potential deal for Copenhagen right back Ankersen has hit the buffers during negotiations, meaning a move for the Dane may now be off unless Celtic can resurrect a move – just as they have with Turnbull.
Ankersen, 28, would be a much-needed signing for Celtic. He’s experienced at 28, he has surprising speed and an engine that allows him to get up and down the right flank, and he’s desperately needed given Celtic’s issues at right back.
As things stand though, Ankersen may not be arriving after all, so whilst Bolingoli-Mbombo would be a fine addition, there’s plenty of work still to do in defence.
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