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Evening Tims confirming rumours that are doing the rounds

Euro star moves up Celtic wish list

Austrian Martin Stranzl was one Strachan watched this summer

by Alison McConnell

CELTIC'S summer signing net is closing in on a clutch of targets as manager Gordon Strachan gets set to splash serious cash.

The Parkhead club are hot on the heels of Spartak Moscow defender Martin Stranzl, and continue to keep a close watching brief on James McFadden, who has made it clear to Birmingham City he wants out.

Stranzl's contract at Spartak runs out at the end of this year, but the mega-rich Moscow club are working hard to activate a 12-month extension on the £3.5million-rated Austrian's current deal.

However, the 27-year-old centre-back's agent, Thomas Boehm, has indicated an offer from Celtic - who watched him during the finals of Euro 2008 - would be considered and said: "We know there is interest from Celtic. Gordon Strachan and his agent were in Austria to watch Martin. We'll see what happens next.

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"Martin is happy at Spartak but he has always been very interested in playing for one of the big teams in England or Scotland.

"Spartak have already tabled an offer for him to stay in Moscow, but nothing is being ruled in or out at this stage."

Strachan knows about Stranzl from Celtic's two games against Spartak last season.

But he is even more aware of the qualities of McFadden, who will quit Birmingham despite the Midlands club insisting the Scot is not for sale.

Faddy, the subject of three offers last week - one of which was a reported £5.5m bid from Celtic - wants to play at a higher level than the Championship.

Sources at Parkhead have dismissed claims from Birmingham that they had offered the cash deal as well as Bobo Balde, but Strachan tried to get him on loan as recently as January.

At the time the player opted to stay in the Premiership but, following the relegation of Alex McLeish's side, he will now jump ship, with a move to his Bhoyhood heroes an attractive option.

Willie McKay, McFadden's agent, said: "He's the top Scottish player of his generation and wants to be playing at the top. It isn't that he is desperate to go, but that he feels he needs to be performing at the highest level."

McKay, who denied the 25-year-old had a relegation clause in his contract, added: "He has told me now that he wants to leave. It is a short career."

Newcastle, Middles-brough, Portsmouth and Wigan have all been linked with Faddy in the past, but it's believed a move to Parkhead is his preferred option.

Bereaved Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz is also reported to be on Celtic's radar.

Publication date 23/06/08

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Guest Andypendek

Well, there's f-all else to talk about just now. Wouldn't worry about Stranzl, wouldn't worry about Boula, McFadden too inconsistent. Go for it, Gordon!

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