Ismaila Soro signs for Celtic as midfielder agrees four-and-a-half year deal

The Ivorian youngster is set to join from Bnei Yehuda as Neil Lennon awaits his second transfer of the window to be signed off.

Celtic have revealed Ismaila Soro has signed a four-and-a-half year contract with the club.

The Ivorian has joined from Israeli side Bnei Yehuda in a deal worth around £2million.

He is Neil Lennon 's second signing of the window after the club completed a deal for Patrik Klimala.

A Celtic statement said: "Celtic are delighted to have completed the signing of Ismaila Soro, who has joined the Scottish champions on a four-and-a-half year deal.

"The Ivorian midfielder has moved from Israeli side, Bnei Yehuda, where he played for the past couple of years.

"And the new Bhoy will link up with his new team-mates at Lennoxtown tomorrow to begin training with Neil Lennon’s squad.

"Ismaila Soro is the club’s second signing of the January transfer window following the arrival of Polish striker, Patryk Klimala."

It’s understood Celtic’s close links with the 21-year-old Ivorian’s agent Dudu Dahan helped push them to the front of the queue for the star.

Dahan has previously secured deals to move Beram Kayal, Efe Ambrose, Nir Bitton and Hatem Elhamed to Glasgow’s east end and his input helped them to beat off competition from Genk.

Soro is known for his tackling ability as well as his ability to manoeuvre the ball in tight spaces.

He was born in the Ivory Coast but is yet to make his debut for the national team.