Sky Sports reports that negotiations between Celtic and SC Paderborn over attacking midfielder Mika Baur have temporarily stalled. The newly promoted Bundesliga club remain unwilling to lower their €5m asking price. Paderborn are reportedly even prepared to retain Baur for their top-flight campaign and risk losing him on a free transfer next summer.

Celtic nevertheless remain optimistic. The Scottish champions are reportedly prepared to offer approximately £4m, equivalent to around €4.7m. The relatively small gap between the two clubs suggests that an agreement remains possible.

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As noted in a recent Get German Football News piece, Baur has already agreed personal terms and prefers a move to the Bhoys. The 22-year-old contributed four goals and seven assists during Paderborn’s promotion campaign.

A €5m sale would also establish a new Paderborn transfer record. With Filip Bilbija, Calvin Brackelmann and Dennis Seimen all departing without generating fees, the SCP have a clear financial incentive to complete the deal.

GGFN | Peter Weis