Celtic now submit bid to sign “very impressive” eight-cap star alongside Gineitis

Celtic have made an offer to sign Feyenoord right-back Jordan Lotomba, as Alistair Johnston is expected to be out until October due to a hamstring injury.

The transfer window has closed south of the border, but the Hoops still have time to get some new signings through the door, and Lotomba is an experienced defender, who could be a solid option for Martin O’Neill.

The 27-year-old has eight caps to his name for Switzerland, and he has tested himself across Europe, making 123 Ligue 1 appearances during his time with OGC Nice, before going on to feature 28 times for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie, picking up one goal and four assists.

Former Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie once lauded the defender as “very impressive”, and he is comfortable playing at left-back too, meaning he could also fill in for Kieran Tierney if required.

However, the full-back’s main task will be to provide cover for Johnston, as the Canadian has spent a lot of time on the treatment table over the past five seasons, and recently suffered another set-back, which has led to 19-year-old Colby Donovan playing at right-back.

At just 19-years-old, Donovan remains relatively inexperienced, having made just 33 senior appearances for the Hoops, so it is little wonder O’Neill is looking to sign a new right-back ahead of the UEFA transfer deadline of 22:59 on Wednesday.

Celtic closing in on Jordon Lotomba and Gvidas Gineitis

Celtic have now submitted a bid to sign Lotomba, with Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph confirming they want to bring in cover for Johnston, who is set to be out until the end of October.

The Swiss defender still has one year remaining on his Feyenoord contract, but the Dutch side may be prepared to let him leave on a free transfer, given that he hasn’t been a regular starter, with negotiations currently ongoing.

Lotomba could be set to join alongside Gvidas Gineitis, as the Hoops have now agreed personal terms with the Lithuanian, who plays for Serie A side Torino.

The central midfielder is in advanced talks over a move to Parkhead, and a deal is expected to amount to around £8.5m, which would be an expensive outlay.

However, it is important for O’Neill to get another midfielder through the door, following Reo Hatate’s departure, with the Japanese maestro completing a move to Burnley for an undisclosed fee on Tuesday.