Celtic set to sign Colombian forward Camilo Duran

Celtic are on the verge of completing their first signing of the transfer window, with a deal worth a reported £5.5m to bring 24-year-old Colombian forward Camilo Duran from Qarabag.

Duran caught the eye of European scouts with an impressive run in the Champions League. Despite Qarabag's elimination by Newcastle, the forward netted five goals during the campaign, putting him in the same scoring bracket as stars like Vinicius Junior and Michael Olise.

Sebastian Botero, who coached Duran at Independiente Medellin, described him as a "bit of a rebel" who thrives under pressure. "He was a hot-headed, mischievous kid who liked to fight with everyone, but football changed his life," Botero noted.

The forward offers significant tactical flexibility, capable of playing as a centre-forward or on either wing, despite being left-footed. He finished his stint in Azerbaijan with 25 goal contributions in 45 appearances.

Duran is expected to link up with the squad at Celtic's training camp in Portugal. Manager Martin O'Neill, back in his second spell at the club, highlighted the forward's hold-up play as a key attribute that will help as he looks to rebuild the Scottish champions' attack.