Strasbourg ‘close to’ Sekou Mara loan exit agreement but not with Celtic

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Celtic are now seriously scrambling to get deals done.

The Hoops still need a quality striker and winger signed before tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline, but it appears they won’t be signing Kasper Dolberg.

Dolberg wants to move to Ajax, who are trying to find a replacement for Sunderland-bound Brian Brobbey, meaning Celtic will likely miss out.

It then emerged that the Bhoys were looking at a possible loan deal for French forward Sekou Mara, who is currently with Strasbourg.

He hasn’t played a game this season and moved to the French club last year from Southampton in a deal worth around £10m.

• READ MORE: ‘Loan had looked likely’ – Celtic make decision on Colby Donovan’s immediate future

Auxerre and Strasbourg near Mara ‘agreement’

Unfortunately though, it appears Celtic are behind Auxerre in the race to sign Mara.

French journalist Marc Mechenoua is reporting on social media platform X that Strasbourg and Auxerre are on the cusp of agreeing a loan deal regarding the 23-year-old.

He wrote: “Strasbourg and Auxerre are close to an agreement for Sekou Mara. The attacker should arrive on a dry loan without a purchase option. Discussions ongoing.”

Celtic transfer news latest on deadline day

So with Dolberg and Mara looking unlikely, what is still in the works for Celtic?

Sebastian Tounekti is a key Hoops target and a third bid of £5.2m was sent Hammarby’s way today for the Tunisian winger.

However, as it stands late Monday afternoon, it remains to be seen whether the Swedish side accept or reject the offer.

Yang Hyun-jun is now in Birmingham ahead of a possible £3m switch to the Blues, while Adam Idah is in limbo with a £7m move to Swansea City dependent on Celtic signing a striker.