Celtic’s summer has been dominated by failed transfers and fans heavily criticising Michael Nicholson for his role in the whole debacle.
The failures to sign Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi are two collapsed deals that have put the Celtic chief executive under serious pressure.
However, Celtic’s pursuit of Haissem Hassan has just been given a shot in the arm after Real Oviedo’s sporting director’s latest admission sends Nicholson a message he now simply cannot ignore.
Should Celtic take a £4m punt on Haissem Hassan?
Real Oviedo’s message gives Celtic a clear Haissem Hassan opening
Hassan has been on Celtic’s radar for a number of weeks now and Oviedo’s sporting director David Fernandez has given the clearest indication yet the Egypt international could be sold this summer.
Fernandez told Gomhuria, “We are here to make the best sporting decisions and build the best possible team, but the financial aspects are outside my jurisdiction.
“We want to sign the best players in every position, but the market will determine when the team’s roster will be completed.”
The report goes on to say that Hassan’s release clause has been dropped from £16m to £10m and that Celtic had a bid of £3.4m turned down.
Michael Nicholson cannot fail in Celtic’s Hassan pursuit
Nicholson is under incredible pressure this summer, especially after he admitted that Celtic find agents and clubs difficult to deal with.
But this latest comment from Oviedo suggests this is a club willing to do business, at the right price.
If Celtic really do want to back Martin O’Neill, they will stop with the protracted transfer negotiations and get this deal over the line.
With two weeks left until the league title flag is unfurled at Celtic Park, time is running out to get the team strengthened before the new season kicks off.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
