TWTD understands former Blues loanee Bersant Celina’s loan move to Turkish side Kasımpaşa from parent club Dijon has fallen through.
Celina was in Istanbul to complete his switch to the Süper Lig club yesterday but we understand that deal has now broken down.
Prior to the Kosovo international’s proposed Turkish move, Town had been in talks with the forward regarding his return to Portman Road for a third spell - a loan with a view to a permanent move as was the case with Kasımpaşa - for much of the summer with the player understood to be keen on the switch but having been unable to come to an agreement with the player regarding terms.
The Blues signed Marcus Harness, who can operate in similar roles to Celina, on Friday and although it was believed Town were still keen, it’s understood no further contact was made following the addition of the former Pompey attacker. However, the Kasımpaşa move breaking down could well see the Blues renew their interest.
As revealed last week, Stoke looked to be the 25-year-old’s destination until his work permit situation caused the proposed switch to collapse.
In addition to Kasımpaşa, another Turkish club Antalyaspor also held talks and earlier in the summer Preston were keen but their interest is understood to have cooled and would anyway have been impacted by the work permit issue, which affects all English clubs.
Other clubs could also come into the running with Scottish Premiership Rangers now believed to be keen, although with that interest understood to be in its very early stages. Scottish clubs are not affected by the work permit situation as they have an exemption.
Dijon remain in French Ligue 2 and have needed Celina, who has another two years left on his contract, off their wage bill for the season ahead with the one-time Swansea man not having joined them for the start of pre-season.
Celina spent last season on loan at Town having previously been with the Blues during 2017/18 while a Manchester City player and is very much a fans' favourite at Portman Road.