CELTS BAGSY CAMILO
Hoops working to seal £3million deal for Colombian hitman Duran
CELTIC are locked in talks with Qarabag over a £3million deal for striker Camilo Duran.
Martin O’Neill has identified the Colombian as a top target as he chases his first summer signing.
Duran racked up 15 goals in an impressive debut season for the Azerbaijani side – including netting five in the Champions League.
The 24-year-old also produced 10 assists and his form has caught the attention of clubs across
Europe. Sources in Azerbaijan say the Hoops are hopeful of a deal for the forward after an initial £1.7m bid was kicked out.
Qarabag want double that fee, which would see Duran become a clubrecord sale. Duran moved to Qarabag for just £200,000 last summer after three years with Portimonense in Portugal.
He scored Champions League goals against Benfica, Ajax, Frankfurt [twice] and Newcastle.
Duran has yet to be capped by Colombia and missed out on a World Cup call-up.
But O’Neill wants the frontman to spearhead a new-look attack as the veteran scours the globe for new additions.
It’s believed the Hoops are in the market for at least two new strikers.
Celtic also retain an interest in Hertha Berlin goalkeeper Tjark Ernst but face competition from Dutch giants Feyenoord.
O’Neill is also keen on bringing Marcelo Saracchi back but will have to pay £1.5m after Boca Juniors rejected a new loan offer.
Motherwell playmaker Elijah Just is on a list of targets but no official talks have begun.
Meanwhile, Record Sport can exclusively reveal Celts have beaten off competition to sign Warren Lyall from Dundee.
The Scotland youth keeper has signed his first pro-contract with Celtic.
The 16-year-old was part of the Dees team that reached the final of the Scottish Youth Cup a couple of seasons ago.
The Dark Blues will be due compensation.
Lyall had a number of options and had been on Arsenal’s radar after training with the English champs back in February.
Lyall will go into the Celtic B team, working under Johnny Hayes, Stevie Hammell and keeper coach Colin Meldrum.
Celtic have also snapped up teenage defender Shea McGarry, 16, from Cliftonville.