Celtic in for Stanislav Angelov

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Exclusive by Thomas Jordan

CELTIC could be ready to make a move for Bulgarian internationalist Stanislav Angelov.

The 31-year-old midfielder is desperate to quit German side Energie Cottbus and would jump at the chance to follow in the footsteps of his countryman and friend Stilian Petrov by signing on at Parkhead.

New Hoops manager Tony Mowbray has made a defensive midfielder a priority position to strengthen before the start of the new season.

Paul Hartley wasn't offered a new contract and Italian misfit Massimo Donati has been told to find himself a new club as Mogga makes way for his own summer signings in the comings weeks.

And Angelov is thought to be one of the names Celtic are looking at closely as they work through an extensive list of signing targets after chief executive Peter Lawwell pledged to support the manager with funds for new players.

The player is now entering the final year of his contract and is desperate to quit the German club after they were relegated from the Bundesliga last season.

He has already publicly stated his wish to leave and it's understood furious supporters targeted him for abuse when the club returned for pre-season training 10 days ago which has only increased his desire to leave as quickly as possible.

Angelov has a wealth of experience behind him and has played in the Champions League, and Mowbray is well aware he needs to find players who are comfortable operating at that level.

It is understood the £1m-rated midfielder - who caused controversy when he first signed at Cottbus from Levski Sofia after both clubs claimed to have held his registration - would be within Celtic's price range.

I hope they don`t get him.He will do a very good job for them if they sign him.A very good player,most of the time used as CM/DM,but can also play as RB,CB,LB and RM.