Celtic deny reports of Lassana Diarra deal

CELTIC have denied reports that the club has signed former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.

According to France Football, the midfielder - who is a free agent after leaving Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow - had agreed to sign for the Hoops on an initial six month deal, with an option for a further year.

But the club have poured cold water on suggestions they had signed the ex-Arsenal star.

The former France international can call on a wealth of experience, including spells at Chelsea and Portsmouth, as well as Anzhi Makhachkala and Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia.

With 28 international caps under his belt, Diarra was linked with a move to Celtic last week and the 29-year-old reportedly flew into Scotland for talks on Friday.

Diarra was linked with Queens Park Rangers in the summer, but saw a move to Loftus Road collapse.

He was also rumoured to be the subject of interest from Newcastle United, with Napoli said to be planning a January swoop for Ivorian midfielder Cheick Tiote.