Celtic and Leeds United preparing to do business once again, with a late transfer development reportedly taking place behind the scenes.
The two clubs have rarely conducted direct transfer business over the years, making the latest development particularly interesting for supporters of both sides. With the transfer window approaching its crucial stages, negotiations are moving quietly away from the spotlight.
According to the latest claim from sky sport news, both clubs are on a verge of potential double transfer arrangement, with Celtic working on a deal that could significantly reshape their defensive options while Leeds could also benefit from the negotiations.
The players at the centre of this negotiations are James Justin and Liam Scales, with Justin reportedly being lined up for a move to Celtic while Scales could make the journey in the opposite direction to Leeds United.
The potential agreement would represent an unusual piece of business between Celtic and Leeds, particularly given how rarely the two clubs have exchanged players directly.
For Celtic, the possible arrival of Justin would provide another defensive option with the versatility to operate in different positions. His ability to play across the back line could give the Celtic coaching staff greater flexibility and provide additional competition within the squad.
The Hoops are believed to be working on the move quietly, with negotiations reportedly taking place behind the scenes as the club attempts to complete the deal before the transfer window closes.
That has created an air of mystery around the situation.
Rather than conducting the negotiations publicly, Celtic are reportedly trying to work on the deal underground, with supporters only beginning to hear about the potential move as developments gather momentum.
Justin’s possible arrival would also give Celtic another player with experience of English football, potentially adding strength and depth to the defensive department.
However, the proposed transfer would come with an equally significant development for Celtic.
Scales could reportedly leave Glasgow and join Leeds as part of the wider movement between the two clubs.
The defender has been an important member of Celtic’s squad and has built up considerable experience during his time with the Hoops. His potential departure would therefore be a notable development, particularly if Celtic are simultaneously bringing another defender into the club.
For Leeds, meanwhile, the potential arrival of Scales could provide another option at the back.
The club would be bringing in a player who has experienced the pressure of playing for a major Scottish club and competing at a high level domestically and in European competition.
That could make the proposed move attractive to Leeds as they continue to build their squad.
The fascinating part of the story is that the two transfers could potentially happen together.
Celtic could strengthen their defence with Justin, while Leeds could bring Scales into their squad.
It would effectively create a two-way transfer relationship between the clubs, something that has been extremely rare throughout their histories.
The historical connection is one of the reasons the story has generated so much attention.
Celtic and Leeds have not regularly done business with one another, and supporters have had very few opportunities to watch players move directly between the two clubs.
A second direct transfer link-up after 17 years would therefore be significant in itself.
But a double deal would take the story to another level.
Celtic supporters will now be watching closely to see whether the club can complete the proposed move before the window closes. Late deals can often develop rapidly, particularly when clubs are willing to negotiate over players and transfer conditions.
For now, the situation remains one of the stories to watch as Celtic continue their late transfer activity.
If the reported agreement progresses as expected, Justin could soon be heading towards Glasgow, while Scales could be preparing for a new challenge in England.
The potential deal could therefore give both clubs something they want: Celtic could secure defensive reinforcement, while Leeds could add another option to their back line.
And after such a long period without significant direct business, it would be quite a story for the two clubs to suddenly find themselves negotiating a double deal.
Celtic and Leeds could soon write another chapter in their limited transfer history.
One player could move north to Glasgow, another could head south to England, and supporters on both sides will be waiting for the final confirmation.
For Celtic, the priority will be getting their man through the door.
For Leeds, the focus will be on completing their side of the potential agreement.
And if everything comes together, what initially appeared to be a quiet late transfer operation could turn into a major double deal between two historic clubs.
