Biram Kayal arrives in Glasgow for Celtic talks

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Checking in: Biram Kayal has touched down in Glasgow ahead of talks with Celtic.©SNS Group

Biram Kayal has arrived in Glasgow for signing talks with Celtic ahead of a possible move from Maccabi Haifa. The 22-year-old Israel international midfielder met with representatives from the SPL club late last week in his home country, as the two clubs attempted to agree on a transfer fee.

Kayal left Maccabi’s Bulgarian training camp last Thursday to open initial discussions over a reported £1.25 million move. His club were known to be understanding towards the player’s desire to leave but, with two years still to run on his contract, were determined to get what they felt was a fair price.

Galatasaray and FC Twente are also interested in signing Kayal but the player, who has made 10 international appearances, has made clear he would prefer a switch to play for Neil Lennon’s side. Speaking earlier in the week, Kayal outlined his desire to seek pastures new and said he could be part of a successful Celtic squad thanks to his playing style.

“This is the best time for me to leave Israel and try another country and another league,” he said. “This is a good prospect for me. I think I can be helpful to Celtic with the way I like to play the game."

A defensive midfielder at international level, Kayal has been encouraged to play as more of a box-to-box player for his club. His combative style suggests he will provide competition to Efrain Juarez to play in a withdrawn role in the middle of the park in Lennon’s side, allowing other players to mount attacks.

BIRAM KAYAL CHECKS IN AT CELTIC

Even if Kayal completes his move on Tuesday, he will not be eligible to play in Celtic’s Champions League game with Braga. Gary Hooper, who signed for the Hoops officially on Tuesday morning, has already taken up the one replacement space available for a player registered after the deadline.

Should Celtic progress against the Portuguese side, or drop into the Europa League, he would be eligible to take part in the next round of qualifying games.

Although the Celtic squad have already travelled to Portugal for their match, Kayal will be shown around Celtic Park and Lennoxtown before discussing terms, with a view to him being available for selection for their opening SPL match against Inverness Caley Thistle on August 14, as well as their next match in Europe on either August 17, 18 or 19. If his paperwork is sorted on time, Kayal could also come into contention for this weekend's Emirates Cup tournament or the friendly with Blackburn Rovers on August 8.