Bhoys manager Martin O'Neill is optimistic that the transfer will run smoothly in spite, of the 25-year-old's earlier declaration that a move to Scotland did not appeal to him.
The former Marseille player is believed to want to stay in Le Championnat by switching to Bastia but he may yet eat his words by agreeing a transfer to the Glasgow side.
Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen, who have cash available after the sale of Claudio Pizarro to Bayern Munich, are reportedly waiting in the wings if Celtic fail to complete a deal for the Frenchman, and a fresh start in Germany could appeal.
Other teams have also expressed an interest in the player but it appears that the moment of reckoning is approaching, and Celtic remain towards the front of the list of possible destinations for Balde.
