Hoops in for Italian and Welsh stars

Celtic are lining up bids for Messina midfielder Carmine Coppola and want-away West Brom midfielder Jason Koumas.

Cappola, who has two caps for World Cup winners Italy, could be available for around £2 million.

His agent said Celtic have been in touch with the Italian's club and the move looks set to develop during the week.

Gordon Strachan is also interested in bringing unhappy Wales midfielder Jason Koumas to Scotland.

Koumas has been on strike for the last three weeks with his club West Bromich Albion and fined repeatedly for his behaviour.

But Celtic could be ready to offer him a lifeline and a cut-price offer worth £1 million could be made for the player this week.

Meanwhile Celtic's interest in PSV striker Jan Venigoor of Hesselink looks to have died down after Poro bid £2.5 million for the player.

The big target man was hoping a move to Celtic could be arranged but the Scottish champions do not want to enter a bidding war with the Portuguese club.