JANKO POISED TO AGREE DEAL

CELTIC are confident of signing Manchester United youngster Saidy Janko within the next 48 hours.

The Switzerland Under-19 international is travelling back to Glasgow for further talks aimed at finalising a permanent switch.

Ronny Deila has been working on an agreement over the past fortnight and, barring any late hitches, Janko is expected to join Dedryck Boyata in strengthening the SPFL champions’ options ahead of the Champions League qualifiers.

Janko, a right-back who can also perform in a more advanced role, spent the second half of last season on loan at Neil Lennon’s Championship outfit Bolton

Celtic are still trying to push through moves for a new striker despite suffering setbacks in pursuit of Nadir Ciftci and Jelle Vossen.

No 2 John Collins confirmed that Ciftci is admired at the club after it emerged Dundee United had already rejected a £900,000 offer.

Former Hoops skipper Gary Caldwell, who took over as boss at Wigan near the end of last season, is eyeing the frontman. Middlesbrough, too, are monitoring the situation.

The Parkhead men are pondering whether to up their offer, but the Tannadice side are reluctant to sell to them after a fan backlash followed the double deal for Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong in January.

Belgian forward Vossen entered talks with Burnley over a potential £2million switch from Genk. That could deepen Boro’s desire to land Ciftci as they had considered an attempt to bring back Vossen following a loan spell last term.

Ciftci is entering the final 12 months of his Tannadice contract and won’t sign an extension.

Collins admitted: “I believe there is an approach, but that’s all I’ve heard. He’ s a big striker, he’s strong and has technique. We like him and we’re looking to strengthen the squad.”

The Celtic No2 was optimistic Kris Commons will be fit for the opening Champions League qualifier after suffering a minor fracture when a wardrobe door fell on his toe at home.

Hoping the 31-year-old returns to training in good time ahead of Stjarnan’s visit in a fortnight, Collins added: “Kris is getting better every day.”