CAN CELTIC CECH IN ON TIME?​

Celtic have today stepped up the chase in their attempts to bring Slovakian International Marek Cech to Celtic Park; the player, currently contracted to Tony Mowbray’s West Bromwich Albion side, has found first-team opportunities at the Hawthorns limited – failing to displace Summer’s reported Celtic target Paul Robinson from the left-back position.

A loan deal that looked to have come to an abrupt halt following Robinson’s dismissal at the weekend has been revitalised after West Brom successfully appealed that decision. This could well pave the way for Cech to make a dream move north to the SPL Champions as they continue their pursuit of 4-in-a-row.​

Cech - lack of opportunities at the Hawthorns​

Mowbray himself is keen for the Slovak to stay, especially after only signing him last summer, but Cech feels that he has been dealt with harshly; making a mere 2 starts this season:

“I want to leave West Brom. I haven’t been given the opportunities to play that I believe I warrant.”

Clearly, after tasting success with a domestic double with Porto last season, the lure of both first team football and the prospect of a full-time move to Celtic, with European football almost a guarantee is too tempting for Cech. The Parkhead hierarchy will be keen to wrap up a deal before the close of the January transfer window, seeing him as a solution to the now infamous problematic left-back slot.

Elsewhere, Dundee United’s Willo Flood – left heartbroken after Wednesday’s League Cup semi final penalty loss against the Bhoys – looks certain to complete his dream move to his boyhood heroes.

Currently on loan at Tannadice from Cardiff City, Flood is expected to put pen to paper imminently; the fee itself nominal as he finds himself out of contract in the summer. Having undergone a medical at Ross Hall last night, it has proved a pleasing end to what must have been a miserable week for the talented Irishman.

Flood - set for a dream move to the Champions.​

Meanwhile, the transfer speculation involving Celtic captain Stephen McManus looks to have been put to rest. Manager Gordon Strachan has confirmed “there’s nothing been put to me to even make me THINK about selling any of our players at the moment.”

McManus - set to stay​

While there is of course time for the situation to change, it would appear that McManus will attempt to captain his team to a fourth consecutive SPL crown, ensuring participation in next year’s group stages of the Champion’s League.