Daniel Arzani: Man City signing from Melbourne City set for Celtic loan

Daniel Arzani (left) in action for Australia against Peru in the 2018 World Cup
Arzani (left) became the youngest player to make a World Cup appearance for Australia in Russia this summer

New Manchester City midfielder Daniel Arzani is set to join Celtic on loan.

The Iran-born, 19-year-old Australia international signed for City from Melbourne City on Thursday morning, with his Celtic move expected to be confirmed imminently.

Manchester City, who are parent club to Melbourne, say Arzani will be sent out on loan "to progress his career".

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers said they hope to complete the deal "in the next few days".

The Premier League transfer window closed on Thursday at 17:00 BST, but the transfer window remains open in Scotland until 31 August.

Rodgers added: "We are hopeful. He has completed on the Man City side and I think most of it is virtually complete on our side.

"He hasn't done anything since his last game for Australia, and that is a little while back.

"So he is going to have to come in and adjust and get up to speed and adapt, and get some hard work in before we can consider him for a game."

Arzani, who has five caps and was the A-League's young player of the season in 2017-18, became the youngest player to make a World Cup appearance for Australia when he played as a substitute in their group matches against France, Denmark and Peru this summer.

City Football Group's managing director of global football, Brian Marwood, told the club's official website: "In a short period of time, Daniel has developed into one of Australia's brightest young stars and has demonstrated the drive and raw talent required for success at the highest level.

"This pathway was first forged by Aaron Mooy just two years ago, and we are all delighted to see another Australian-grown talent make this move."

City signed Mooy from Melbourne in 2016 and six days later he joined Huddersfield on loan, before the 27-year-old midfielder made a permanent move to the Terriers after helping them win promotion to the Premier League in 2017.

Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.