RUBIN KAZAN head coach Leonid Slutsky has confirmed Carl Starfelt is on his way to Celtic.
The Russian club’s boss admitted they will receive a “record transfer” for the Swedish international central defender who was first linked with the move ELEVEN days ago, as CQN reported.
Slutsky did not specify the amount the Hoops are prepared to pay, but it is expected to be around the £4.2million mark for the experienced 26-year-old who is said to be keen to come to Glasgow.
Ange Postecoglou has earmarked the towering back-four operator to replace wantaway Kristoffer Ajer who has yet to make an appearance in the four pre-season games and was missing again from the squad for the 1-0 defeat against Preston yesterday. His proposed £13.5million move to Premier League new boys Brentford is likely to be rubber-stamped next week.
The Parkhead club have yet to confirm any imminent arrival of Starfelt, but the Russians are resigned to the player’s switch and gaffer Slutsky told Match TV: “These are the rules of the game. If we receive an interesting offer that is beneficial to everyone, we are forced to accept it.
“This confuses plans a little, but such a situation can always happen.
“It is possible that someone else will leave us this summer. That’s normal.
“I’m glad this is happening. When the transfer takes place officially, it will be the club’s record transfer.”
Postecoglou has ramped up his summer revamp in recent days, with striker Kyogo Furuhashi joining from Vissel Kobe and Isreali winger Liel Abada arriving in a joint £8million swoop.
