Celts set to swoop for McNaughton

CELTIC are set to sign Aberdeen defender Kevin McNaughton on a pre-contract agreement in the January transfer window.

The 22-year-old’s current deal at Pittodrie runs out next summer and the two parties have yet to discuss an extension. McNaughton would be an ideal replacement for 34-year-old Paul Telfer who is currently keeping Didier Agathe out of the Hoops side.

John Viola, McNaughton’s agent, said; “Kevin is out of contract soon and we are still waiting to talk to Aberdeen about a new deal. Celtic have shown an interest in taking him to Parkhead for the start of next season.”

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood, however, maintains a healthy cynicism about Celtic’s proposed bid for McNaughton.

He said: “You always take a risk when you let players’ contracts run close to their end and maybe we should have expected this. But perhaps it’s a case of his agent trying to force our hand so we give him a better deal. Who knows?”