Gaziantep FK are close to signing Robbie Brady on a free transfer, according to reports in the Turkish media.

The Republic of Ireland international has been heavily linked with a switch to Celtic over the past year but, when asked about the Scottish club’s interest in the 29-year-old last month, manager Ange Postecoglou played down the speculation:

“I haven’t talked specifically about him. Nothing’s really happened yet where I can say that someone has signed for me.”

It seems fair to assume that the Hoops opted against making a move for Brady, as although Gaziantep are an up-and-coming Super Lig side, you can’t see the Irishman turning down a switch north of the border, in favour of a move to Turkey.

Celtic did sign a left-winger before the transfer window closed, with Jota joining from Benfica on a season-long loan deal, and it’s likely that the former Portuguese Under 21 international was simply preferred to Brady. That is not that surprising considering the ex-Burnley winger has had his injury problems in recent years.