Idah Celtic exit 'very close' amid Swansea interest

Adam Idah's exit from Celtic is "very close", according to Parkhead manager Brendan Rodgers, amid interest from Swansea City.

The Republic of Ireland striker was left out of Rodgers' Celtic squad for Sunday's Old Firm derby at Ibrox amid speculation over his future.

"It's close. It's not quite there yet, but it's very close hence he's not here," he told BBC Scotland's Sportsound before the match.

"We need a number of players in, not just in the centre forward position. I'm hopeful that over the next 24 hours we can get the reinforcements we need in the front line."

Swansea manager Alan Sheehan had said he could not comment on Swansea City's pursuit of Idah and instead showered praise on Zan Vipotnik after his side's comfortable victory at Sheffield Wednesday.

Swansea felt they were close to completing the signing of Celtic striker Idah on Friday only for the Glasgow giants to put the move on hold.

There have been suggestions Vipotnik could be sold before Monday's transfer deadline to make way for Idah.

But after Vipotnik scored for the third time in as many games as Swansea won 2-0 at Hillsborough, Sheehan said he would "like to think" the Slovenia forward will remain at the club beyond next week.

"Right now I am absolutely delighted with him," Swansea's head coach said.

"Three goals in three games and his impact on the [Sheffield Wednesday] game was outstanding.

"He has had a wonderful week and he looks like he is in a really good place."

Vipotnik was handed his first league start of the season at Wednesday and responded by drilling home Swansea's opener before teeing up their second goal, which was steered in by Ronald.

That came after Vipotnik scored a spectacular goal in Tuesday's Carabao Cup win over Plymouth Argyle, having also netted Swansea's equaliser after coming off the bench in last weekend's draw with Watford.

With Swansea set to pay a sizeable fee to secure Idah's services, 23-year-old Vipotnik has produced his best run of form since arriving in Wales in 2024.

Idah's proposed move to the Championship club has been held up by Celtic's desire to secure a replacement before sanctioning the former Norwich City player's exit.

When asked for an update on Idah's situation, Sheehan said: "The latest is that he is not our player. He is currently a Glasgow Celtic player so right now I can only talk about Swansea players."

When it was suggested whether Idah's move would only happen once Celtic have signed a forward, Sheehan added: "I think if you ask Celtic potentially you'd get the answer to that question.

"I can't speak on behalf of Celtic. I can speak on behalf of every Swansea fan that came here [to Hillsborough], every staff member and every player.

"We came here and got three points and that's my job, to focus on performances on the pitch."