Celtic transfer twist as Anthony Joseph reveals midfielder deal

Anthony Joseph reveals Celtic’s surprise move for Oliver Sørensen

Celtic are closing in on another midfield addition, with Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph reporting that Oliver Sørensen is undergoing a medical ahead of a move to Parkhead.

The 24-year-old Danish midfielder is expected to join the Scottish champions on a season-long loan after making 34 Serie A appearances last season.

Sørensen’s arrival would address a major concern in Celtic’s midfield following the departure of Arne Engels to West Ham. The Hoops have lacked physical presence in the middle of the park, but the six-foot midfielder could provide greater strength and energy in that area.

The potential deal comes as Celtic prepare for a busy final period of the transfer window, with the Italian market closing at 8pm on Tuesday.

Celtic had been linked with several midfielders in recent weeks, but Sørensen’s name emerged as a new option on Monday morning.

The midfielder spent three seasons with Central Jutland before making the move to Italy. Although he has yet to earn a senior Denmark call-up, Sørensen has represented his country 15 times at Under-21 level.

His arrival would also increase the Danish presence within the Celtic squad, with striker Kasper Høgh already at the club.

Celtic also interested in Southampton defender

Joseph has also revealed that Celtic have an interest in Southampton right-back Yukinari Sugawara.

However, the Japan international is reportedly unsure whether moving to Scotland would be the right step for his career at this stage.

Celtic are looking for a temporary solution at right-back while Alistair Johnston recovers from injury, with the Canadian expected to return around the end of October. The club also want the incoming player to provide cover beyond Johnston’s return.

Celtic have already added Camilo Duran, Høgh, Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan during the summer, while Arne Engels has departed for West Ham.

With the UEFA registration deadline approaching at 11pm on Wednesday, further activity is expected at Parkhead.

The Hoops are understood to be working on deals for a goalkeeper and a back-up left-back, while several departures could also take place before the window closes.

Reo Hatate and Johnny Kenny are among the players reportedly considered the most likely to leave Celtic.

The potential arrival of Sørensen therefore looks set to be just one part of a hectic final few days of transfer activity for Martin O’Neill’s side.