Celtic in Euro rush for Juarez

Celtic were last night battling red tape in a quest to secure Mexican new Bhoy Efrain Juarez for a Champions League baptism.

The Parkhead club are pressing officials to push through a work visa for the £2.5million signing before next week's clash with Sporting Braga in Portugal.

New Bhoy: Celtic signing Efrain Juarez

Juarez returned to Mexico City to complete the paperwork after a brief meeting with his new team-mates in Seattle.

And with the European signing deadline passing at midnight tonight, Celtic were sweating over the eligibility of the midfielder for a crunch tie.

'Efrain is back in Mexico to sort out paperwork and visa and work permit,' said manager Neil Lennon before the Boston friendly with Sporting Lisbon in the early hours of this morning.
'We're trying to rush that through and, hopefully, he will be with us early next week and he will be in the squad for the game against Braga.

'Efrain made a really good initial impression. His English is quite good, which helps. He is no mug. We are excited about his move to join us and we're hoping he is, as well.
'The players brought him into the squad really well and he looked like he enjoyed it all. 'He knows Marc Crosas from his early days at Barcelona and that is a big help to him.

'Efrain had a couple of meals with us, came to the Manchester United game and we tried to make him feel as welcome as we possibly could. The initial signs seem pretty promising.
'Good players are not just coming here to look at the size of the cheque. There is a hunger about him, as well. Negotiations went really well and we have done a good bit of business by signing him.
'He is only 22 and, if he does well, there will also be a re-sale value, although we want him to stay as long as he wants at the club. 'Hopefully he will be a big player for us. We see him as an important part of the future.'

Celtic now face competition from Sunderland and Fulham for England keeper David James.


In demand: Celtic are keen to tie up a deal for England's World Cup goalkeeper James

Black Cats manager Steve Bruce had initially considered offering just a short-term deal for James after losing Craig Gordon to a broken arm but, with understudy Marton Fulop now likely to be sold, that has changed.

James, 39, who has seen an offer from Portsmouth withdrawn, will be offered a two-year deal at Parkhead and will meet Lennon at the end of this week.
Fulham are in the market for a keeper as they expect their No 1 Mark Schwarzer to move to Arsenal.

Celtic will continue the redrawing of their squad by shipping the young duo of Paul Caddis and Simon Ferry down to Swindon Town next week.
As Sportsmail first revealed, the pair have been long-term targets for a club where former Parkhead defender Scott Cuthbert already plays.

Swindon are also keen on a loan deal for centre-half Josh Thompson.


Read more: Celtic in Euro rush as Bhoys launch bid to push through Efrain Juarez work permit | Mail Online

 

Don't want David James.

 

i think thing would have been sorted out by because his transfer is completed its just the final visa paper to go through no worrie he will be in the line up hopefully

 

Swindon can have Thompson he's * rank although i hope it's only a loan deal wae Caddis because he is class :icon_mrgreen:

 

id hardly call josh thompaon rank, hes at the under 19 euros with england aswell

 

thompson will hopefully be good in a few years
caddis should stay great player had ronaldinho in his back pocket a few year back in the last 16

 

Lets hope this gets done. I've got my tickets ordered for the home leg and would really love to see him in action along with the rest of the new bhoys. As for David James, i think he would be a great signing as he is a top class keeper that still has another 2 years in him. Hes still playing at the very highest level (England no 1 and just back from the world cup). I really dont get all these people saying they don't want him. The only reason i could possibly think of as to not getting him is that Zaluska deserves a shot as he has performed very well when hes came in and has waited patiently for his turn. I would definately keep Caddis, i rate him highly, a loan deal would be ideal. As for Thompson, hes got strengths in areas such as his ability to win balls in the air because of his stature but he is painfully slow across the ground. I think this will be the factor that won't allow him to compete at this level. A good CB needs to be quick across the ground and be able to win balls in the air. For example, Vermaelen.

 

Aye same here, would rather Wilson left than Caddis if we have to get rid of one of them. Wilson no where near the level he was before those injuries, although I suppose Wilson can cover left back as well so maybe that's the reason.

 

Thread already opened on him ,look before you post.