Celtic agree deal for Nakamura

Celtic have reached agreement with Reggina for the sale of Shunsuke Nakamura.

The Japan international has been a target for Hoops’ manager Gordon Strachan throughout the summer.

Now the 27-year-old is on the verge of becoming the seventh new signing at the Glasgow club.

Strachan is relishing the prospect of adding Nakamura to his squad for the new Bank of Scotland Premier League season, which starts against Motherwell on Saturday.

He said: “He’s great going forward and sees things a lot of people can’t see. He can run with the ball and is a decent lad. I have done a lot of homework and have spoken to people who have worked with him all over the place so I know what he’s like.

“He also starred against Brazil and was man of the match so from that you can say he’s not bad.”

Nakamura is expected to fly into Glasgow tomorrow to join Jeremie Aliadiere, Mo Camara, Maciej Zurawski, Artur Boruc, Paul Telfer and Adam Virgo as newcomers at the club.

“The lad wants to be with us so it is going great,” said Strachan. “I haven’t spoken to him personally but the club sells itself. Everywhere you go people know about Celtic.”

However, Nakamura will not be signed in time to face Artmedia Bratislava in the Champions League second qualifying round.

A statement on the official Reggina website said: “Reggina announce they have reached agreement with Celtic Football Club for the permanent transfer of the footballer Shunsuke Nakamura.

“Nakamura is now going to take up a new and fascinating adventure which will help him play in a prestigious competition like the Champions League.

“Naka, with all our hearts we wish you good luck.”