Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is searching for a direct replacement for Arne Engels as the midfielder nears a £22 million transfer to West Ham United.
The 22-year-old Belgium international is expected to complete his move in the coming days, a deal that will see the Scottish club double their money on the player.
Celtic have already spent an initial £27 million in this window to bring in Camilo Duran, Kasper Hogh, Haissem Hassan and Mika Baur. Baur, who arrives from German side Paderborn, is O'Neill's fourth summer signing.
Baur has been tipped to make a big impression, though O'Neill noted the team still lacks the physical presence that Engels provided.
"Mika is a really nice footballer who can break things up and manoeuvre the ball," O'Neill said. "He's not the biggest in the world."
"We always felt that if Arne left, and we were hoping it was not to be, we would be looking for a box-to-box midfield player with real physicality," the manager added. "And that is something we would still look at."
Champions League deadline
Torino's Lithuanian international midfielder Gvidas Gineitis is reportedly on the club's wanted list as they prepare for Wednesday's Champions League play-off against Austrian side LASK.
Celtic have until Tuesday evening to add two players to their squad to face the Austrians. The departure of Engels would open up a third place when his deal is confirmed.
"I know the transfer window is pressing, and we are not getting everything in before these Champions League games," O'Neill said. "It would have been nice, but we are where we are. I am seriously delighted to get the boys in."
Defensive reinforcements
Celtic are also in the market for a goalkeeper and a left back to provide cover for Kieran Tierney. Chelsea's Landon Emenalo is being considered for a loan move.
"I think he's a really fine young player," O'Neill said of Emenalo. "I think that obviously we need that position covered because of Kieran."
"Kieran did exceptionally well last season," he added. "Having been plagued with injuries at Arsenal, he came roaring back, which was great. And this young man has definitely got talent."
Emenalo is currently managing a fitness issue. "He's got a bit of an injury at the moment," O'Neill said. "We're hoping that that will clear up shortly. And if it does, and I think it will, I'd love to have him."
Asked if he expected more players to come in before Tuesday's deadline, O'Neill said: "It would be nice. I think that we are making progress."
Johnston injury setback
The push for additions comes as Alistair Johnston faces a spell on the sidelines. The Canadian defender has aggravated the hamstring injury that cost him a chunk of last season.
The setback has stalled interest from Everton, with any potential move now put on the back burner until January at the earliest.
"He'll be out for a few weeks," O'Neill said. "By the time he's fit it will be past the transfer deadline."
"He's been very stoic about it really," the manager added. "He played at a very good World Cup. He played here, did a little bit of training with us, we put him into the opening game. He got through that."
"It's just a shame for him. It's not long term. It's something that he'll get over. And he'll be back. He's a really good player. Disappointment perhaps. Maybe that disappears. He'll be back and be raring to go."
