Celtic are expected to make further inroads with Hibs again this week as they look to add John McGinn to their ranks.

It is believed that the 23-year-old Scotland internationalist has intimated his desire to Hibs that he wishes to make his move to Brendan Rodgers’ side. McGinn has spent the last three seasons at Easter Road where he has become a pivotal part of Neil Lennon’s midfield but it is understood that he is eager to make the switch to Celtic Park.

He was left out of the Hibs team that beat NSI Runavik 6-1 in their Europa League qualifier last week. Lennon commented after the game that the player was carrying an injury but he also conceded that his focus had been affected by the fact that Celtic’s interest in him had become public.

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It would suit Lennon to have thee situation clarified in order that if he does lose the player then he is given adequate time to organise a replacement for him before the domestic campaign gets underway again next month.

The Parkhead club have had two bids of £1.5m and £1.75m knocked back for the midfielder, with Hibs valuing the player at £4m. It is thought, however, that a deal could be done for £2.5m with Scott Allan making his way back to Easter Road where he spent the latter half of last term on loan.

That would allow McGinn to make the move to Celtic and hook up with Rodgers’ side.

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The Celtic manager has made it clear that he would like to add the player to his squad and with McGinn out of contract at the end of the forthcoming season and free to sign a pre-contract agreement in January, this window will be viewed by Hibs as the last genuine opportunity they have to bank money through the sale of the player.

Meanwhile, last night Celtic were weighing up interest in Mikey Johnston with St Mirren manager Alan Stubbs keen on taking the 19-year-old on loan.

The teenager spent three months of last season injured but has been on the fringes of the Celtic first-team. He has impressed this summer in pre-season games and scored his first goal for the club at Celtic Park during Saturday’s 4-1 win over Standard Liege.

With the player now needing exposure to regular first-team football Celtic are currently assessing what the correct step is next for the Scotland under-21 internationalist.

Rodgers' side were also linked with Uruguay’s playmaker Giorgian De Arrascaeta but that would appear to be unlikely given that the player carries an £18m pricetag.