Sunderland target Celtic defender Efe Ambrose

CELTIC defender Efe Ambrose is reportedly the subject of interest from three English Premier League sides, including Sunderland, managed by former Parkhead boss Martin O’Neill.

Swansea and Liverpool are also said to be interested in the Nigerian centre half, who recovered from a less-than-impressive display against Juventus in the Champions League to net against Dundee United in Celtic’s 6-2 victory over Dundee United on their return to SPL duty.

Ambrose was heavily criticised following the 3-0 loss to the Turin giants, after being pitched into the team just hours after returning from the African Cup of Nations tournament and receiving the blame for two of the goals as well as passing up the chance to pull one back for Celtic by heading straight at the ‘keeper.

Signed from Israeli side Ashdod for £1.5 million on a three-year deal less than six months ago, Ambrose could be set for a big move to the English Premier League. Winning the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria, who defeated Burkina Faso in the final, will have no doubt increased the defender’s value.

Potential suitors will no doubt be attracted by his versitility - Ambrose has played in defensive midfield for his country, and as a right back for Ashdod as well as in central defence for Celtic, and whilst it is understood that he is happy at Parkhead, manager Neil Lennon has admitted that there are a handful of clubs tracking Ambrose’s progress.