Celtic set to beat QPR and Millwall to sign 'fantastic' Premier League winner

QPR and Millwall have been linked with transfer interest in out-of-favour Crystal Palace veteran Jeffrey Schlupp this month but it appears as if the Eagles man is set to head to Scotland with Celtic on the verge of agreeing a loan move.

The future of Schlupp has been a hot topic this month with several Championship clubs linked with the player. Coventry City and Blackburn Rovers were also named as potential suitors at one point. However, it is Celtic who look frontrunners to complete a Deadline Day deal.

Providing the latest update on that transfer saga on Monday evening. Sky Sports claimed: “Celtic have made a loan offer for Crystal Palace utility player Jeffrey Schlupp. It’s understood a deal is close to being agreed by the clubs.

“Sky Sports News understands the 31-year-old is available for sale in this window. Schlupp, who can play as a left-back, midfielder and forward, featured 33 times for Palace last season in all competitions.”

QPR and Millwall previously linked with Jeffrey Schlupp

Both QPR and Millwall have been in the market for a winger this month but did appear to have taken their interest elsewhere with recent signings. Tottenham Hotspur rising star Yang Min-hyeok arrived on loan at Loftus Road while the Lions brought in Camiel Neghli and Benicio Baker-Boaitey.

Schlupp is out of contract at Selhurst Park this summer and manager Oliver Glasner had hinted at the possibility of a move, with the 32-year-old somewhat of a fringe figure this season.

Glasner was asked about the Schlupp rumours following his side's 1-0 FA Cup win over Stockport earlier this month. He said: “I want us to keep the squad together. It’s not like we have a huge amount of on-field players. We have 21, [Matheus] Franca including.

"The number of players is not that high. I really appreciate Jeffery’s experience and he can play in different positions. Today, also because Tyrick Mitchell was really ill and we wanted a left-footed wing-back.

“He can play there, he can play in the 10, he can play as a midfielder. Because he is so experienced, he can play almost anywhere. But at the end, it is the same as the other players. Schlupp is now 32. His contract ends in the summer and if he wants to have a change and get a two or three-year contract somewhere, he will come but at the moment no one has come and said they want to leave. If we want to keep the squad, if the players want to stay here, that’s the best situation we can have.”

Celtic set to loan in Crystal Palace man

Schlupp has been at Crystal Palace since 2017, having made the move from Leicester City. He has 279 top flight appearances to his name and won the Championship with the Foxes in 2014. Schlupp was also part of the Leicester City outfit that won the Premier League in 2016.

Schlupp may be struggling for game time under Glasner this season, but has often earned the praise of the Crystal Palace manager. Speaking in April after an important equaliser against Fulham, Glasner said: "His first touch and finish was amazing. Coming there and getting that opportunity is what I really like, the finish too. We know Jeffrey has a fantastic finish, we see it when we do it in training."

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers had told supporters that the club was looking at a loan deal ahead of the close of the market. He said: “I would think so. I think that to get the one that we would want for that longer term, if it's not there, then I don't want to just bring in anyone just for the sake of it. I'll always look from within.

“There's no point in bringing in someone if they're not the right fit. So it might be more down that route, but we'll wait and see what the evening brings.”

In other news, West Ham and Everton have been beaten to the signing of an out-of-favour Chelsea midfielder.