Mikey Johnston 'eyed' by Burnley, 3 Carter-Vickers bids 'rejected' and latest on 2 targets - Celtic transfer state of play

Out-of-favour Mikey Johnston is reportedly being eyed up by Burnley with the winger seemingly set for a return to the EFL.

The Celtic academy graduate impressed on loan at West Brom last season and seven goals in 20 appearances threatened to breathe new life into his stagnating career. He returned to Parkhead in the summer though and has assumed his previous role as a backup option under Brendan Rodgers, with 15 minutes off the bench against Hibs earlier this month his lot so far.

He wasn't even in the squad for the Premier Sports Cup clash with the Hibees at the weekend with Luis Palma and Yang both getting off the bench to replace Nicolas Kuhn and James Forrest. Daizen Maeda would normally fill one of those wide berths but he was needed to lead the line - indicating Johnston is now viewed as sixth in the pecking order.

An exit would make sense given Rodgers is thought to be keen on strengthening out wide before the window closes, one of four positions he plans to beef up in before the deadline a week on Friday - a new striker, a new midfielder and competition at left-back also sought.

And now Football Insider report that Burnley are in the mix for Johnston having been impressed by his showings at West Brom last season. They say Scott Parker wants Johnston as a replacement for Wilson Odobert who joined Tottenham with the Celtic man 'figuring highly' on his list of targets.

Elsewhere Celts have reportedly knocked back three approaches for Cameron Carter-Vickers - and are determined not to lose more key men this window. The Hoops are bracing for Matt O'Riley's move to Brighton and have also seen recent interest in Reo Hatate ramp up.

But one man they are seemingly determined not to lose is Carter-Vickers. Express