Latest Celtic transfer news as Iwata wanted by Birmingham City and 3 incomings targeted

Birmingham City are ready to launch another raid on the Scottish Premiership as they target a deadline-busting swoop for Celtic’s Tomoki Iwata.

The Blues have already swooped for Gers duo Ben Davies and Scott Wright, plus Alex Cochrane from Hearts, this summer. And now ex-Hoops assistant Chris Davies has Japanese midfielder Iwata in his sights, according to the Daily Record. Despite featuring regularly towards the end of last season, Iwata has yet to kick a ball this term and was posted missing from Sunday’s win at St Mirren.

Brendan Rodgers is keen to upgrade his midfield options and is ready to let Iwata, 27, kickstart his career in England’s third tier. If a deal can be agreed and the ex-Yokohama F. Marinos star moves to St Andrew’s, it’s almost certain that Celts will sign at least TWO midfielders today.

The Scottish champions are set to shatter their transfer record by completing the £11million signing of Belgian midfielder Arne Engels from Augsburg. Rodgers made the 20-year-old his top midfield target to replace £30m man Matt O’Riley after a starring debut season in the Bundesliga.

And Parkhead chiefs have backed their manager by agreeing a record-breaking package that eclipses the £9m paid for Odsonne Edouard in 2018. Engels will undergo a medical today before putting pen to paper on a bumper four-year contract.

Celts are also closing in on a deal for Sheffield United stopper Auston Trusty. It’s understood the Hoops will shell out £6m to land the USA international, who was a target for Rangers last summer. The 26-year-old underwent a medical in London last night and is due to arrive in Glasgow today to finalise his move. The 26-year-old will provide much-needed competition in defence and is comfortable playing at centre-half and left-back.

Meanwhile reports in France claim that Lyon have turned down a Hoops loan offer with an £8m obligation to buy for highly-rated midfielder Mahmadou Diawara. Celts are also weighing up whether or not to return to the table with a £3m offer for Lausanne Sport’s Alvyn Sanchesafter an initial bid was rejected.

Dundee captain Luke McCowan remains an option, with Hibs also chasing the 26-year-old’s signature. LAFC attacking midfielder Mateusz Bogusz was on their radar but the MLS side aren’t willing to sell their prized asset during this window.

Meanwhile Mikey Johnston is poised to rubber-stamp a permanent return to West Brom in a £3m deal. The Republic of Ireland international starred on loan at the Hawthorns last season and will be unveiled by the EFL Championship club today.