Celtic are edging closer to landing PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joel van den Berg, with a club delegation currently in the Netherlands to thrash out the details of a potential deal. The 19-year-old has yet to nail down a first-team berth at the Eredivisie giants and is understood to be open to the move, making Celtic's pursuit all the more straightforward.

The noises out of Eindhoven are encouraging for the Scottish champions. Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink reports that Van den Berg was pulled from Jong PSV's second-tier fixture with RKC Waalwijk on Friday — a clear sign that PSV are readying themselves to let him go. When a club withdraws a player from a reserve match mid-window, the direction of travel is rarely hard to read.

Missed Out — the Ones That Got Away

While Van den Berg looks promising, Celtic's summer business has not been without its frustrations. The club appear to have lost the race for Hajduk Split's Niko Sigur, despite the 22-year-old reportedly harbouring a desire to head to Parkhead. Hajduk boss Gonzalez Garcia has confirmed Sigur has played his last game for the club, but Genk and Toulouse are now circling, leaving Celtic facing a genuine fight for his signature.

More strikingly, Celtic missed out on Partizan Belgrade playmaker Ognjen Ugresic despite tabling a higher offer than the eventual buyer. Partizan president Rasim Ljajic revealed the club had already given their word to PAOK and held firm, selling the 20-year-old for £400,000 less than Celtic were prepared to pay. That is the kind of story that rankles — outbid on principle rather than price.

Ermin Mahmic, the 21-year-old Slovan Liberec midfielder, also appears to be heading elsewhere, with reports from Turkey suggesting he has agreed a £4.3 million switch to newly promoted Super Lig side Corum. Celtic are said to be out of the running.

Rangers Miss Out on Fofana

Across the city, Rangers are navigating their own transfer disappointment. The club had been linked with a loan move for Lens striker Rayan Fofana, but the 20-year-old has made his intentions clear — he wants to stay in France and is set to join Le Havre on loan instead. Gers will need to look elsewhere to bolster their attacking options before the window shuts.

Dundee United Eye Another Spencer Bid

Down the Scottish football ladder, Dundee United are refusing to take no for an answer in their pursuit of Falkirk midfielder Brad Spencer. The Tangerines are weighing up a fresh approach for the 30-year-old despite Falkirk manager John McGlynn's notably sharp response to their previous offer. McGlynn's reaction has done little to deter United, who appear determined to get their man.

Hearts Bolster Wide Options

There is positive movement at Tynecastle too. Eighteen-year-old winger Aron Benjaminsen is set to fly to Scotland on Monday to complete his move to Heart of Midlothian. The youngster signed off from Vikingur with an assist in a 3-1 defeat to HB Torshavn — a bittersweet farewell, but he heads to Edinburgh with his stock high.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest are reported to be preparing a bid for 16-year-old St Mirren forward Luke Douglas, which would represent a significant coup for the young attacker if it materialises.

With the window still moving fast, Celtic's priority is clear: get Van den Berg over the line and regroup on the targets that have slipped through their fingers.

FAQs

Frequently asked

Who is Joel van den Berg and why do Celtic want him?
Joel van den Berg is a 19-year-old midfielder at PSV Eindhoven who has yet to break into their first team. Celtic see him as a young talent worth developing, and he is reportedly open to the move.
Why did Celtic miss out on Ognjen Ugresic despite offering more money?
Partizan Belgrade president Rasim Ljajic stated that the club had already committed to selling Ugresic to PAOK, and honoured that agreement even though Celtic offered £400,000 more.
Are Dundee United still trying to sign Brad Spencer from Falkirk?
Yes. Despite an angry response from Falkirk manager John McGlynn over their previous bid, Dundee United are reportedly considering a fresh approach for the 30-year-old midfielder.