NEGOTIATIONS were back underway last night to get Scott Sinclair into Celtic before Monday's UEFA Champions League signing deadline.
The Parkhead side have had four bids for the winger knocked back over the course of this month by Aston Villa but discussions had re-opened last night with a view to getting the 27-year-old into Glasgow before the signing cut-off for the next round.
Celtic are guaranteed European football this season as Wednesday's results will take them into the Europa League even if they fail to make it into the Champions League group stages, with the club keen to bolster their squad before the play-offs.
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There was some good news on that front yesterday too with winger Patrick Roberts' hamstring injury not as severe as was initially feared. The 19-year-old limped off during the opening half hour of the win over Astana on Wednesday night but it is thought that a scan has revealed a minimal strain rather than a tear.
He will miss the league curtain coming up at Tynecastle on Sunday afternoon but there was cautious optimism that the winger, on loan from Manchester City this season, could be back for the final qualifier later this month.
Celtic will find out later this morning who they will face when the draw is made at 11am.
Meanwhile, Gary Mackay-Steven looks set to return north with Ross County keen to take the player on a season long loan deal, while Scott Allan has completed his loan deal to Rotherham. The midfielder will hook up with Alan Stubbs, whom he played under at Hibs.
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