4 hours Ago By [email protected] (Robbie Copeland)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Michel-Ange Balikwisha is back on Celtic 's radar next month according to a report – with a £5m deal on the agenda after the player returned from injury unscathed.
Antwerp wide man Balikwisha was heavily linked in the summer but a serious injury suffered towards the end of July killed any momentum it may have gathered at the business end of the window. The Hoops were thought to be chasing a winger but the stunning form of Nicolas Kuhn and the lasting reliability of Daizen Maeda eased the instant need for reinforcements and Brendan Rodgers elected to continue with what he had. In January though it could be a different story.
The Daily Mail report that, after Balikwisha returned to action against Charleroi last week, he's back on the agenda and that a deal could be back on. It's said he ticks 'every box' for the Parkhead club, as a natural left winger with his best years still ahead of him at 23 years old, and it looks as if Antwerp will be willing to come to the table as he enters the final 18 months on his deal next month. Speaking on their summer interest this month, Antwerp CEO Sven Jaecques said: "Two clubs (Celtic and Rennes) kept negotiating to possibly still bring him in.
But, in the meantime, we know that such clubs will rather focus on January anyway. He must now return as soon and as fit as possible and then we will see what happens." Luis Palma 's ongoing uncertainty could have a direct influence over any deal for Balikwisha.
The Honduran winger has struggled this season and hasn't even been making the squads for recent league games. Should an exit for him materialise then that would strengthen the case to splash out on a new wide man. The same Mail report claims meanwhile that Stephen Welsh is considering his future at Parkhead and is set to sit down with Brendan Rodgers to discuss his future.
He's recently found himself well down the pecking order, behind Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, and £7m summer signing Auston Trusty. And it's reported he wants first-team football and plans talks with Rodgers over how he could get it. He also plans to address his longer-term future, a hint he may seek a permanent move rather than a loan.
It's added that Welsh, as well as defensive contemporary Maik Nawrocki and out-of-favour Palma, could all leave next month. In case you haven't heard, we've launched a new Hotline Live show, airing at 6pm every day, with the exception of Fridays and Saturdays. Join our panel for a laugh, a moan and a look at all things Scottish football, as well as having your say on the biggest issues in the game.
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One man who won't be leaving Celtic next month is Alex Valle, the Barcelona loanee set to finish the season in Glasgow despite recent swirls that he could be recalled. Barcelona are suffering an injury crisis at left-back but are keen to let Valle continue his development in Scotland and will consider his future at the club only when he returns in the summer. And that's music to the player's ears.
He loves Barcelona and would love to continue into an 11th season with them – but he's fully focused on nailing down a spot under Brendan Rodgers for now, after getting his first taste of silverware at the weekend. He told Cadena SER : "Both I and the team in general are in very good dynamics. I am very happy and I think the team is spectacular.
It is a great prize to end the year. "Barça has always been my home. This would be my eleventh season, so I have a special affection for it.
In the end, these are circumstances in football and everyone does what they can. I am very grateful for everything that has happened to me and is happening to me in life. I continue with the present and enjoy it, whatever happens next will be what has to happen.
I consider that I have improved and I will improve in other aspects.”.
