With the start of the Scottish Premiership season just days away, it is hard to understand exactly where Celtic are as a team. Firstly, there has not been as much transfer activity as one would have thought and the squad looks quite similar to that of the previous campaign. That is not a good thing.

Yes, Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda have left. They were perhaps Celtic's two most important players in the title run-in last season.

So, replacing them will not be easy. But the Hoops have made a good try, bringing in Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh.

On the other hand, it does feel like there are a lot of players in the current squad who have a foot out the exit door already and are awaiting good opportunities to leave. Callum McGregor has reiterated his commitment to Celtic, but the same cannot be said about some of the others in the midfield department.

The likes of Arne Engels and Reo Hatate are still expected to leave this summer. On the other hand, it looks like the window of opportunity could be starting to open on a potential signing in the middle of the park.

According to Mark Hendry, Mika Baur missed SC Paderborn's recent fixture. The club says he was ill. But the journalist's understanding is that’s not accurate.

Celtic are still actively pursuing the midfielder despite the initial bid being rejected. The tide may be turning on a deal. Sources have always been positive that it can be done.

So, that is a positive sign if you want to see Baur in a Celtic shirt next season. He played an integral part in getting Paderborn to the Bundesliga but it has consistently been reported that he would like to join the Hoops this summer.

In fact, it is believed that personal terms have already been agreed with Baur. Now, it is about agreeing on a transfer fee between the two clubs, which is proving to be a stumbling block.

So far, Celtic have seemed open to paying in the region of £4 million to sign Baur. But there have been suggestions that Paderborn want significantly more than that.

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Someone like Baur could be a solid addition in the middle of the park. But is he good enough to replace someone Engels or Hatate?

To be very honest, Celtic should go for someone a bit more proven. While Baur has done well in Germany, his football has been in the lower divisions. Making that jump is not easy.

On the other hand, the club already knew what Engels was capable of in the Bundesliga before signing him, and even he needed time to adjust.