Celtic miss key Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain deadline as final transfer decision made | Football | Sport

However, he is now expected to join Celtic on a free transfer with negotiations thought to be at an advanced stage. Oxlade-Chamberlain reportedly travelled north on Friday to finalise a six-month contract, which includes an option to extend by a further year. That decision came after talks initially hit a stumbling block over the length of his proposed deal.

Oxlade-Chamberlain will be tasked with helping the Glasgow giants to retain their Scottish Premiership title, but he won’t be allowed to play in Europe.

That is because the transfer was not completed before the Europa League squad registration deadline on Thursday night, according to Sky Sports.

Celtic are said to be relaxed about the situation as Oxlade-Chamberlain was unlikely to be included in their European squad. All parties are willing to seal the deal and the 32-year-old could make his debut against Dundee this weekend, if he is registered in time.

Hoops manager Martin O’Neill confirmed earlier this week that he had spoken to Oxlade-Chamberlain about a potential move to Celtic Park.

“I’ve spoken to him, but I’m sure he has plenty of options, maybe closer to London,” revealed O’Neill. “I’d be very interested in doing it. I’m surprised people haven’t taken him up.

“I think he was very excited about what we were saying. He knows all about the club, he’s a big friend of Joe Hart.

“Joe has spoken to him, not on our behalf. It’s something we’re interested in but if it doesn’t materialise, it doesn’t materialise.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain has been without a club since his contract with Turkish side Besiktas was terminated in August. Leeds United and Birmingham City were also linked with his signature before Celtic emerged as the runaway contenders.

Wage demands are not expected to be a problem, with the general framework of a deal close to being finalised ahead of the weekend.

The playmaker will join several other former Premier League stars in the dressing room, including the likes of Kasper Schmeichel, Kieran Tierney and Kelechi Iheanacho.

It remains to be seen how big a role he will play as Celtic look to leapfrog Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership table before the end of the season.