Celtic set to sign Royal Antwerp forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha | OneFootball

Celtic have finally made a breakthrough in their quest to land one of their long-term transfer targets.

According to Sky Sports, the Hoops have convinced Royal Antwerp forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha to join them after weeks of negotiations.

A medical has already been scheduled for the 24-year-old winger, who is due in Glasgow this week.

Celtic had already agreed a deal worth up to £5 million with Antwerp, but they had a hard time convincing Balikwisha that a move to Scotland was in his best interests.

However, he has finally given his verbal approval for the move to be finalised. Once he touches down in the United Kingdom, he will sign the paperwork and seal his move to Celtic.

Balikwisha’s move to Celtic has been on the cards for some time. He was left out of Antwerp’s squad for Sunday’s game against KV Mechelen.

He was given a warm send-off by the home fans after the final whistle, ahead of completing his move to Celtic over the next few days.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has made it clear that he wants to strengthen his options out wide, and Balikwisha has been a key target for several months.

Antwerp manager Stef Wils has also hinted that the winger’s exit was likely, admitting that the club may have to cash in to raise funds.

Balikwisha has already played four times for Antwerp this season and opened his goalscoring account in the 3-1 win over OH Leuven.

At one point, Balikwisha was seriously linked with a move to Ligue 1, but Celtic were persistent and their patience has now paid off.

Barring any unforeseen setbacks, Balikwisha will become Celtic’s eighth summer arrival.

Rodgers has already welcomed Shin Yamada, Ross Doohan, Kieran Tierney, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Hayato Inamura, Benjamin Nygren and Callum Osmand to the squad.

Celtic have had an impressive start to their Scottish Premiership title defence, but there’s still work to be done to qualify for the Champions League.

They were held to a goalless draw in their play-off first leg against FC Kairat.