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Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha (left) and Boca Juniors left-back Marcelo Saracchi (right) Celtic are closing in on a permanent deal for Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha and a loan agreement for Boca Juniors left-back Marcelo Saracchi. Balikwisha, 24, has scored once in four matches this season but missed the Belgian club's weekend win against Mechelen. Defender Saracchi, 27, has nine caps for Uruguay and has had spells at Galatasaray, RB Leipzig and Levante. Both players are scheduled to complete medicals in Glasgow later this week. 'Don't worry about failing' - Rodgers tells Celtic Rodgers says 'no conflict' with Celtic board Visit our Celtic page for all the latest news, analysis and fan views Celtic are in Kazakhstan to face Kairat on Wednesday evening (17: 45 BST) with a place in the Champions League on the line. Prior to the second leg, manager Brendan Rodgers said he hoped to have some positive news regarding transfers on their return to Glasgow. "I think by the time we get back, we will be close to one or two things, " Rodgers said before the crucial match in Almaty, which you can listen to live on BBC Radio Scotland Extra. The Celtic boss has faced constant questions about the club's transfer activity throughout the summer, with the club's hierarchy facing intense criticism from a fanbase who feel there has been a lack of business. If deals for Balikwisha and Saracchi are completed, they will be Celtic's first incomings since Shin Yamada joined on 19 July. Following the sale of Nicolas Kuhn to Como last month, former Belgium youth international Balikwisha, who scored four and assisted three in an injury-hit campaign last term, would be a welcome addition to Rodgers' attacking options. Meanwhile, Saracchi would provide cover for Kieran Tierney at left-back after the exit of Greg Taylor and Jeffrey Schlupp. Champions League: Build-up as Celtic face Kairat in decisive play-off second leg US Open: Boulter fighting to stay in match v Kostyuk, Kartal in deciding set - listen & follow How Arsenal are supporting teenage superstar Dowman This won't be an ordinary reunion on East Enders! Was Paddy Mayne a soft-spoken leader, or a hell-raiser? A classic Top Gear race to the North Pole The 2003 discovery of a new species of human 'Aberdeen savour the most perfect game ever played' How Mc Tominay became a Napoli icon after Man Utd exit Scotland men's internationals to be shown live on BBC Commonwealth Games: Why is it so special to be part of Team Scotland? From titles to tinpottery - rank Scotland's top 10 clubs What next for NFL's most controversial draft pick? Pride, passion & heartbreak - but Newcastle need end to Isak saga In Pictures: Sporting photos of the week 'People looked at me like I was a something, not someone' Teenager Ngumoha scores last-minute winner as Liverpool beat Newcastle. Video Teenager Ngumoha scores last-minute winner as Liverpool beat Newcastle 'A rivalry to run and run - a sensational night at Newcastle' 'Chelsea were angry to lose him' - who is Liverpool's Ngumoha? Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week? What we noticed from the Premier League weekend Fleetwood's PGA Tour triumph can open 'floodgates' What does your club need before transfer window shuts? The Hundred tables, top run-scorers & wicket-takers The making of Spain and Arsenal's humble magician England begin World Cup campaign with emphatic victory over USA Video England begin World Cup campaign with emphatic victory over USA US star Maher has Hollywood in sights after offer to join WWE Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.