Celtic midfielder Stefan Johansen set to join Fulham

Celtic midfielder Stefan Johansen is closing in on a move to Fulham.

Published 26th Aug 2016

Celtic midfielder Stefan Johansen is closing in on a move to Fulham.

Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed the Norwegian was on his way out of Parkhead after failing to agree a contract extension.

"Stefan's going into the last year of his contract," Rodgers said. "I have found him a really good guy. He has worked over pre-season and it's been difficult because he's been unable to reach an agreement with the club.

"But I think he has always wanted to play in England, so the opportunity has come for him. He wasn't going to sign a new deal, so it's one that probably works well for both really.

"I don't think it's complete yet but it's something that could happen, possibly in the next couple of days."

Rodgers is gearing up for a busy few days before the transfer window closes with movement expected both ways.

And he admits upcoming Champions League fixtures against Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach plus access to a potential £30million-plus prize pot have strengthened his hand.

"It allows us to hopefully add to our squad before the window shuts," he said. "That was always going to be the case but of course once qualification is done, it opens up some more funds in order to do that, which is great. The club is going to try to continue to develop now and obviously this Champions League qualification helps us do that.

"It was quoted as the richest game in the history of the club so it shows the impact it can have. We want to bring in the right profile of players that can help us, not just now, but in the next few years.

"Celtic as a football club is a huge attraction, the scale of the club, the expectancy will always attract players, but of course when we have the games we have to play, it's always a huge attraction. Being in the Champions League will certainly make some players sit up and take notice.

"We've got a few ideas of players that we want, but nothing imminent."

The likes of Efe Ambrose, Kris Commons and Emilio Izaguirre could join Johansen in departing after finding their playing time limited under the new manager.

"There's been a number of enquiries about our players," Rodgers said. "There's a number of players that are fully aware of where they stand and they know they will struggle to get games.

"So I think between them and their agents, they are obviously looking to get moves that will allow them the possibility to pay. But there is nothing imminent of anyone leaving now."