Ex-Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is hoping that his former club do finalise permanent deals for Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota as soon as possible.

The Tottenham and Benfica stars played key roles in helping the Hoops secure a league and cup double during Ange Postecoglou’s first year in charge at Parkhead, and O’Neill feels that the club’s participation in the Champions League should help them get both transfers over the line:

“It’s really important for Celtic to cement those deals. I’m sure they enjoyed their time at the club and it will be interesting to see how it pans out. I’m sure that Celtic, as a football club, and Postecoglou would want to keep those players. It now depends on their viewpoint, and perhaps the club.”

“Carter-Vickers, in particular, has seemingly been on-loan endlessly but he’s improved immensely. He was really, really great last season but I’m sure he’s loved it. It’s an opportunity to go and play in the Champions League and play against the very best in Europe. Why wouldn’t you want to stay? I’m sure he would.”

The option to buy Carter-Vickers from Spurs is believed to expire in just over a week’s time. The agreement in place would see Celtic pay £6m upfront with another £4m in add-ons. The defender has come out and said that the transfer is not down to him, with the Scottish champions still in negotiations over signing the player. If a move is not finalised soon, though, it could allow other teams to take advantage. Everton, Fulham, Bournemouth and Southampton have all been credited with an interest in the American international.

The Hoops’ have already agreed a deal with Benfica to sign Jota for €7.5m (£6.4m) and reports in Portugal suggest the move is close to being done.