Celtic on trail of Kadlec

Celtic are tracking €3m-rated Sparta Prague full-back Michal Kadlec.

The 21-year-old, who won the Czech Cup final at the weekend, has caught the eye of Celtic manager Gordon Strachan.

The Bank of Scotland Premier League club have already expressed their interest to the Czech club and the player’s agent.

A spokesman for the player said: “There is an element of truth in this.

“Celtic have been looking in the Czech Republic for players and Michal is a very talented player.

“It is only natural that he would get linked with Celtic but it is premature to say a deal has been done.

“There is no smoke without fire here but it is too premature to say a deal has been concluded.”

But Celtic may have to plan for next season without versatile player Adam Virgo.

The 23-year-old Scotland B international has made just three starts in the SPL having completed a £1.5m (€2.2m) move from Brighton last July.

Sheffield United, who recently clinched promotion to the Barclays Premiership, are believed to be weighing up a move for Virgo.

Virgo has found himself behind Stephen McManus, Bobo Balde and Stanislav Varga in the Parkhead pecking order and his first-team hopes will not be aided with the arrival of Gary Caldwell from Hibernian for the start of next season.