Celtic’s interest in Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha remains ongoing, with fresh reports from Belgium indicating a potential shift in negotiations. The 24-year-old remains high on the list of attacking targets, and there’s belief that progress could be made soon.

Initial discussions are believed to have stalled over a fee in the region of £5.1 million. However, Belgian outlet Voetbal Primeur now claim that Antwerp may be willing to drop their asking price to around £4.6 million.

Financial pressures at the Belgian club have made sales a priority, and Balikwisha, now entering the final year of his contract, is one of the players they are prepared to move on.

The winger is understood to be open to a move to Glasgow, but the pace of negotiations has been slowed. While that’s nothing new to those who follow Celtic closely, some will view the delay as an attempt to drive down the price rather than a lack of intent.

With pre-season preparations underway, Brendan Rodgers will be keen to have key signings in place as early as possible. Balikwisha’s profile as a direct, quick wide player fits the type Celtic have lacked in recent seasons, and his availability could present value in a tightening market.

CEO Sven Jaecques on the need to move players this summer:

He said: (HLN), “Marc (Overmars, director of football) and the scouting are working very hard to put together a competitive core.

“It is a fact that the departures are needed and has an impact on the group. We have to deal with that. This is an opportunity for other guys to stand up.

“But we are not going to allow an exodus.”

Celtic’s recruitment this summer has so far been relatively quiet, with fans growing increasingly anxious over the lack of confirmed incomings.

The departure of fringe players and the potential exit of Nicolas Kuhn, who has drawn interest from RB Leipzig, Newcastle, and Como, may further influence the club’s moves in the transfer market.

Balikwisha has featured prominently for Antwerp, bringing with him European experience and the ability to operate across the frontline. He also boasts a strong pedigree at youth international level with Belgium.

Whether Celtic push this deal over the line remains to be seen, but the circumstances now seem more favourable than they were earlier in the window. The coming days will show whether that results in action or continued hesitation.