Samsunspor have confirmed that they have reached the end stage of negotiations with Elliot Watt.
The Motherwell midfielder excelled in his debut season at Fir Park, playing a dictating midfield role under Jens Berthel Askou.
Celtic reportedly made an enquiry for Watt earlier this year, with the midfielder one of many men in demand after an excellent season by the Steelmen.
It looks to be Turkish side Samsunspor who have won the race, with the club releasing an official update.
Is £3 million a fair asking price for Celtic target Elliot Watt?
Samsunspor at ‘final stages’ of Elliot Watt negotiations
Suat Cekir, Samsunspor’s press spokesperson, said: “Negotiations for the transfer of Elliot Watt, who plays in the number 6 position from Scotland, have reached the final stage.
“There are no issues regarding the player.
READ MORE: Martin O’Neill addresses Dermot Desmond ‘assurances’ and Celtic recruitment changes
“There are some minor hiccups with his club. Hopefully, it will conclude positively today or tomorrow.
“A definitive answer is awaited.”
No fee has been mentioned, though Motherwell have previously valued Watt at £3 million, rejecting several previous bids from Samsunspor.
A major overhaul to Celtic’s midfield is expected this summer, with Reo Hatate and Arne Engels among those expected to leave.
Watt is a Scotland youth international, despite being born and raised in England. Fans recently dug up old social media posts revealing that he is a Rangers fan… but it didn’t stop Greg Taylor.
His teammate with the Steelmen, Elijah Just, has also been linked with Celtic, though he won’t be short on interest after an excellent World Cup.
Tawanda Maswanhise, reportedly the subject of a visit from Martin O’Neill and Mark Fotheringham earlier this season, is of interest after finishing as the Scottish Premiership top scorer.
👀 Martin O’Neill didn’t seek any assurances from Dermot Desmond over recruitment this summer.
His full trust is in 'the owner'…
Charlie Mulgrew has suggested Elliot Watt for Celtic
Speaking on The Breakdown show in March, Charlie Mulgrew said: “I see Watt, I think if, Berthel Askou got the Celtic job.
“I think he would probably go for him and Callum McGregor at the base. I think Just could definitely play as well.”
For a 26-year-old, Watt has already racked up the minutes of your average 30-year-old in his career, having been a regular in the English lower leagues as a teenager.
This was his debut season at Fir Park.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
