Celtic behind Leeds in race to sign Kleberson

CELTIC may be set to miss out on the services of Brazilian Kleberson after Leeds edged ahead in the chase for the World Cup winner.

The Atletico Paranaense star was a target for Hoops manager Martin O’Neill before the transfer window closed in August.

However, the South American club wanted a commitment on a permanent deal once the initial loan period had expired, which O’Neill and the Glasgow club were not prepared to agree to.

O’Neill, coincidentally linked with the struggling Elland Road club himself, is still tracking the player as a possible newcomer when the transfer window reopens next month. Kleberson has already admitted his own interest in sampling life in Scotland. But Marcel Figer, son and partner of the player’s agent Juan Figer, admits Leeds have the edge in the race for the player.

Figer said: “They (Leeds) are slightly ahead in the race because we have talked numbers with them but Celtic’s interest is concrete.”

Meanwhile, Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon is expected to miss the holiday programme as he begins his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury sustained against Celta Vigo. The former Northern Ireland international picked up the knock in the second leg of the tie in Spain and will miss the St Stephen’s Day clash with Hearts at Parkhead. Striker Shaun Maloney is still recovering from a slight shoulder injury while goalkeeper Rob Douglas will continue to play despite needing a hernia operation in the winter break. Martin O’Neill may be tempted to add Johan Mjallby to his squad for the first time since August.