Italians claim Nakamura is Celtic bound

CELTIC are favourites to sign Japanese star Shunsuke Nakamura, according to his club Reggina.

The 27-year-old midfielder was quoted as saying that he preferred a move to Spain rather than Scotland.

But the Italian outfit believe that Nakamura will snub Deportivo La Coruna and Atletico Madrid to join Celtic.

Reggina press officer Daniele Rindone said: “We are discussing a price between £2million (E2.9m) and £2.75million (E4m) and we are close to agreeing a fee.

However, Southampton manager Harry Redknapp last night warned Celtic that they will not get Antti Niemi on the cheap.

Gordon Strachan has targeted the goalkeeper, who moved to the Saints in a E3million move from Hearts.

But Redknapp said: “I know Celtic have been talking to the chairman. If they want him then they will have to pay the money. He is one of the top three or four keepers in the country.

“Maybe they think we are skint after relegation but if we don’t get the right money then we won’t sell.”