BRENDAN Rodgers last night dropped a heavy hint that John McGinn will become a Celtic player within the next few days.

In what for the Celtic manager were uncharacteristically candid remarks about a transfer target – he normally sidesteps such matters – the Northern Irishman revealed he expected Hibernian to agree a deal which would also see Scott Allan move to Easter Road on a permanent transfer.

Celtic had a £1.5m bid knocked back this week for 23-year-old midfielder McGinn. Hibs were unhappy with what they saw as a poor offer for their best player.

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The champions are expected to make an increased offer over the weekend and when asked about the situation, Rodgers said: “I just wait to see what happens between the clubs, really. I’ve nothing more to say on that. I think it’s what happens in negotiations. That will be organised, hopefully, between the two clubs – and hopefully we have another player.”

Rodgers doesn’t have a timeframe but added: “It’s going to take a bit of time and negotiation. We’ll just wait and see.

“I think we want to get them in as soon as we can, being honest. If it’s not to be, you have to wait. You have to be patient.”

Rodgers is bracing himself for a bid for Kieran Tierney, with Everton known as one of the interested parties.

However, nothing formal has been received yet, and the manager does not believe the speculation will affect the 21-year-old who is certain to start against Alashkert

“There has been nothing (new) at all,” said Rodgers about Tierney. “I haven’t been told anything different and Kieran has been absolutely brilliant, as per normal.

“He is totally focused and, thankfully, is at a club he loves. And he’s still trying to get fit, still learning.

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“There has been no change in Kieran, really. Absolutely, nothing fazes him. But you have to remember that he’s very young, as well.

“He’s still learning, still developing in the game. He’s a wonderful talent, a great boy to work with, everything you would want as a manger, in terms of all the work he does off the field.

“He gets his rewards on the pitch for the work he does off it. He’s very diligent in his preparation. He is a wonderful talent.”

Rodgers did not expect the talk to die down any time soon.

“When you’ve got talented players, and we’ve got a number of those, there will always be speculation,” he said. “And this is the period when it’s always going to be hotter than most.

“All we can do is keep the group calm, keep focused on what we want to achieve. I’m sure there will be lots of questions on it.”