Celtic are only waiting for Ki Sung-yueng's work permit to be approved, rather than any other complications. The South Korean starlet agreed terms with the Scottish giants back in August, and is scheduled to move to Parkhead when the transfer window reopens in January.

However, at the recent club AGM, chairman Dr. John Reid raised eyebrows when he admitted that "Celtic are extremely hopeful of securing the transfer in the coming months."

The club have now clarified Reid's remarks, stating that the transfer will be finalised when the 20 year-old receives his work permit in December.

Obtaining a work permit should pose no issues for the FC Seoul midfielder, who is a regular for the South Korea national team.