Hodge joins Motherwell while Celtic eye Baur

Motherwell have signed Republic of Ireland international Joe Hodge from Portuguese side Tondela for an undisclosed fee.

The former Wolves midfielder made 13 appearances for the club and featured for QPR and Huddersfield on loan before spending a season in the Portuguese top flight.

Hodge came through the ranks at Manchester City in his home city but played for the Republic through the age groups and made his full international debut against Canada in June.

"Joe is an excellent footballer who fits the profile for the type of midfielder we want in our squad," manager Alfred Johansson told Motherwell's website.

"He has played in the Premier League against some of the best players in the world and has gained experience in English and Portuguese football. At 23, he has achieved a lot, but there is more to come from this young man.

"We feel we play a brand of football that will allow Joe to flourish and develop further. He made it very clear that he wanted to play for Motherwell from the very start of this process, so I’m pleased we’re at this stage."

Hodge added: "I’ve been so keen to get this done. Having watched Motherwell games last season and the games this season, I’ve been itching to get involved.

"As a footballer, you want to play in football teams that you feel are best suited to your qualities, and I feel this group of coaches and players are a perfect match for me."

Celtic could be set for a belated transfer spree after long-time target Mika Baur was reportedly given permission to hold transfer talks.

German media outlet Neue Westfalische has reported that newly promoted Bundesliga club Paderborn confirmed Baur had been given time off for talks and missed training on Wednesday morning.

Celtic have been linked with interest in the 22-year-old throughout the summer but a transfer fee was seen to be the only stumbling block.

The attacking midfielder is entering the final season of his contract with Paderborn, who he joined from Freiburg in 2024.

The Germany Under-21 international had already made more than 60 league appearances for Freiburg's second team as a teenager and has made more than 40 first-team appearances for Paderborn.

Celtic have also been strongly tipped to sign Egypt and Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan in the coming days.

The 24-year-old former France youth international impressed in the knockout stages of the World Cup.

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