Celtic look set to complete the signing of Shamrock Rovers defender Liam Scales before the end of the transfer window this month.
The Bhoys were first linked with Scales earlier this month, with The Scottish Sun reporting that Celtic had made their first move to sign the centre back.
Championship clubs were also keen on Scales, but Celtic appeared to be favourites for his signature.
Two weeks on, Celtic haven’t yet finalised a deal for Scales, but all the indications are that he will be Parkhead-bound soon.
Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley has told The Irish Mirror that the deal is ‘tied up’ as far as the club is concerned, though he’s not sure where Scales is at right now.
Bradley added that the deal is ‘nearly getting there’ and should be done by the end of the month, with the hints pointing towards a move to Celtic after Shamrock Rovers face Flora Tallinn.
“I’m not sure where Liam’s end is at but our stuff is tied up,” said Bradley. “I’d imagine with the window closing at the end of the month, it’s getting there. If not after Tallinn, it will definitely be soon. We did things at our end. Liam has a decision to make and I’m pretty sure where his mind is.”
“Liam will definitely travel and be with us on Thursday. We’re nearly getting there but he’ll definitely be there Thursday. He’ll definitely be involved in the first leg and hopefully second. It’s been really good. We spoke at length when the interest and bids came in. We’ve all spoken openly from the start. There’s his thinking and our thinking; both clubs have dealt with it really well,” he added.
The report notes that Celtic will be paying around €600,000 in add-ons, equivalent to £500,000 and a little more in the future.
A left-footed centre back with potential for the future, former Manchester City trialist Scales makes sense for Celtic after missing out on Ben Davies to Sheffield United.
The Irishman isn’t a big signing, and the fee involved is very modest, but he could prove to be a bargain if he brings his Irish form to Scotland.
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