CELTIC target Bright Osayi-Samuel is on the brink of quitting Queens Park Rangers.
The 22-year-old winger is stalling on a new deal at the London club and will be available to sign a pre-contract with the champions next month.
The Hoops have been monitoring the player’s situation, as CQN reported in September, and they could step up their interest in the January transfer window as they search for wide Bhoys.
Mark Warburton, the former Ibrox gaffer, admitted the Championship side have hit a stalemate in their talks with Osayi-Samuel, a player he is keen to tie down on a lengthy deal.
The Hoops could land him for a development fee, similar to the £500,000 signing of Moussa Dembele from Fulham in the summer of 2016 as one of Brendan Rodgers’ first signings during his reign at Parkhead.
Warburton, speaking to West LondonSport, said: “There are always things that crop up and occur. At times, you hit a stalemate in certain discussions and negotiations.
“Offers will be made and discussions are ongoing.
“Sometimes you have to be strong and firm. We have to look after QPR and, although there might be some short-term pain, I think it’s longer-term gain.”
Osayi-Samuel will become a free agent in June.
Gary Primrose, Neil Lennon’s former Hoops assistant, originally tipped off the Irishman about the availability of Osayi-Samuel.
Scotland’s title kings are searching for more width in the team with James Forrest and Mikey Johnston long-term absentees.
