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Celtic are in ongoing negotiations with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but the move for the former England star remains uncertain. Hoops manager Martin O'Neill is eager to secure the 32-year-old former Arsenal and Liverpool player on a contract until the end of the season.

However, Express Sport reports that an agreement has not yet been reached, with the deadline to register for the Europa League match against Stuttgart looming. The Celts have initiated medical examinations with the midfielder, who has been without a club since terminating his Besiktas contract last summer. While personal terms are not believed to be an issue, discussions have hit a snag over the duration of the contract, with Oxlade-Chamberlain's representatives keen on an option to extend at the end of the term.

Celtic remain interested, and it is thought that O'Neill wants the playmaker for the Premiership push as he can only make three squad changes for Europe - having already made five signings in January.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is lacking match fitness, having not played since last May. However, he has been training with his former club Arsenal in recent months, hoping to be offered a contract at the Emirates.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has chosen not to pursue this option and has alerted several clubs in the south. But O'Neill took the initiative after reaching out to the midfielder over the weekend, and further talks have taken place in the last 24 hours.

Celtic remain keen on securing the deal, having also contemplated signing fellow free agent Tiemoue Bakayoko. It's hoped that the agreement can be finalised soon.

Bakayoko, a former Chelsea, Monaco and AC Milan stalwart, is currently without a club after leaving PAOK in Greece last summer and was under consideration before Celtic shifted their focus to Oxlade-Chamberlain.