Kayal agrees to Celtic move

Maccabi Haifa midfielder Biram Kayal has agreed a five year deal with Scottish giants Celtic.

The 22-year-old Israeli international is expected to fly over to Glasgow for a medical in the coming few days.

Peter Lawwel, Celtic’s chief executive, is reportedly in Israel and has discussed the deal with Maccabi president Jacob Shahar. The clubs are close to agreeing a fee in the region of £1.25m. Kayal is set to earn £350,000 in his first year at Parkhead with the option of an improved salary if he impresses.

Kayal’s agent Dudu Dahan said: “Celtic have been tracking Biram for a long time. The talks are going very well and both sides are close to an agreement.”

A defensive midfielder, Kayal has made 12 appearances for Israel. He grew up in the Western Galilee Arab village of Jedida where he played for local side Hapoel Bnei Jedida.

He joined Maccabi Haifa when aged 16. Celtic are eager to push the deal through so that Kayal is eligible to play in next week’s Champions League qualifier with Braga but it seems unlikely that the Israeli will receive his UK work permit in time.