Sky Sports backtrack on Haksabanovic situation then run with Atanasov link

Celtic are closing in on the deal to sign Sead Haksabanovic – despite Sky Sports attempting to pour cold water over the increasing speculation yesterday evening only to then issue an ‘update’ reversing their position to then claim that “Celtic are tonight close to agreeing a deal with Rubin Kazan for winger Sead Haksabanovic.”

However getting back on track wasn’t enough and another name was thrown in, which logically sort of tied in with the comments made by Ange Postecoglou at his media conference yesterday where the Celtic manager hinted that he could sign two players each of whom could play in a number of positions.

“Sky Sports News understands the Hoops are also interested in Hadjuk Split defensive midfielder Jani Atanasov – though, no formals talks have taken place at this stage.”

Mark Hendry at Football Scotland, who gets giggles down the phone form his contact at Celtic when asking about ongoing transfer speculation, shot down this new Jani Atanasov flyer from Sky Sports stating that there’s “nothing in pipeline, as far as we understand” after confirming that “Celtic are fully focused on Sead Haksabanovic. Medical is very close.”

It’s quite interesting that at the moment Mark Hendry appears to have his ear close to the action at Celtic Park while Anthony Joseph at Sky Sports seems to be a step or two away from that kind of inside knowledge. That’s certainly the way it looks this morning, but if Anthony is correct and Jani Atanasov emerges as the second utility player on the Postecoglou wish-list then that will certainly be a feather in the Sky Sports man’s cap.

However he shouldn’t really spent too much time gloating if that’s how it pans out and certainly shouldn’t be mad at Mark Hendry for pouring cold water on his transfer story because that’s exactly what he himself did on Friday evening when he posted: ‘Celtic are one of four clubs in talks with Rubin Kazan over a potential deal for winger Sead Haksabanovic. Rubin Kazan are willing to sell the player, but it’s understood they have not agreed a fee with any club yet.’

The transfer window closes on 1 September…

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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