Celtic transfer news round-up as outcast flogged and doubts hang over duo

Celtic have kickstarted their summer clearout by flogging Sead Haksabanovic to Malmo.

The 25-year-old winger penned a four-year deal with the Swedish champions today after being deemed surplus to requirements at Parkhead. Although he made an impact in his debut season under Ange Postecoglou, Haksabanovic quickly fell out of favour once Brendan Rodgers took over the reins. And the writing was on the wall for the Montenegro international when he aimed a swipe at the Hoops boss on social media last summer over his limited game time.

That prompted Rodgers to get rid of the ex-Rubin Kazan attacker as he was farmed out on a year-long loan to Stoke City. He flattered to deceive there, though, notching just one goal but has secured a fresh start with one of the top clubs in Sweden. Haksabanovic penned a bittersweet farewell post to Celtic fans on Instagram on Wednesday, admitting his time at Parkhead was cut short earlier than he wanted.

He could soon be followed out the door by several other fringe players as Rodgers trims his bloated squad. Ben Siegrist, Gustaf Lagerbielke, James McCarthy and Oh could all be offloaded over the coming weeks, while others like Kwon and Marco Tilio could be shipped out on loan again.

The champions will return to pre-season training later this week before a friendly against Scott Brown's Ayr United at Somerset Park next Friday. However, doubts hang over the futures of rising stars Rocco Vata and Daniel Kelly as contract talks rumble on.

Republic of Ireland under-21 international Vata is currently out-of-contract as he continues to weigh up his future. Celts are keen to keep the teenage attacker but Vata has options in Italy and England and is keen to play more first-team football.

Meanwhile 18-year-old Kelly's existing deal expires at the turn of the year and he's free to open pre-contract talks with interested clubs from the start of July. The talented midfielder scored his first senior goal for Celtic against Dundee earlier this year and like Vata, has been promoted to the senior squad after starring for the B side.

In terms of incomings, Celts have yet to open the cheque book but Rodgers' priority is to sign a new No1 to replace the recently retired Joe Hart. Reports in Turkey claimed that Croatia No1 Dominik Livakovic was set to become the Hoops' marque signing, but those stories are wide of the mark.