Celtic 'submit' transfer bid for World Cup star who left Lionel Messi and co in a spin

Hassan, 24, grabbed the headlines this week after an eye-catching display in Egypt’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the last-16 on Tuesday night, grabbing a stunning assist and creating a number of high-quality chances for his side as they threatened a major shock in Atlanta.

Currently playing for Spanish side Real Oviedo, his impressive performances at the tournament in North America have sparked interest in his services, with Trabzonspor and clubs in the Saudi Pro League linked to the right winger. However, it is Celtic who are reported to have made the first move as the battle for his signature heats up.

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The Paris-born attacker is understood to have had a £16million release clause inserted into his Estadio Carlos Tartiere contract upon his arrival from Villarreal two years ago, but the club’s recent relegation from La Liga has resulted in that being “significantly reduced”. The Scottish champions are now said to be aiming to take advantage of the change in terms by submitting a bid of around £3.4million for Hassan, according to a report from Fondo Segunda.

However, with 40 per cent of any future transfer fee owed to Villarreal as part of the package that brought him to Real Oviedo in the summer of 2024, the Glasgow giants’ opening bid is unlikely to tempt Los Carbayones into selling the Egyptian international.

Celtic are expected to complete their first signing of the summer window in the coming days, having agreed a deal for Qarabag striker Camilo Duran, as per manager Martin O’Neill. The 74-year-old boss told club media on Tuesday night that the marksman was due to undergo a medical with the club ahead of signing for an initial fee of £3million, which could reportedly rise to around £6million with add-ons.

Impressive in his debut season for the Azerbaijani champions, he scored five times in the Champions League following his arrival from Portimonense last summer, but is expected to leave after just one season at the Azersun Arena in order to complete a move to Parkhead.

The club kicked off their pre-season preparations by drawing 1-1 with Shelbourne in Dublin on Tuesday night, with Japanese striker Shin Yamada saving his side’s blushes with an injury-time spot kick at Tolka Park. An 88th-minute penalty from Harry Wood looked to have sealed a shock win for the hosts, only for Celtic to be awarded a late penalty when Maik Nawrocki was fouled in the area.