Strachan sure of signing McManus

MIDDLESBROUGH manager Gordon Strachan is adamant that he will sign Stephen McManus on a permanent deal from Celtic.

McManus enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Championship side last season after he was recruited by his former manager.

Boro have yet to agree a fee with the Parkhead club for the player but Strachan was bullish about the prospect of adding the Scotland defender to his squad.

"Stephen wants to be here and we want him to be here," Strachan said. "We will make it happen one way or another. But I can't say when it will happen."

Sol Campbell is being lined up by current Celtic manager Neil Lennon but the 35-year-old, who is out of contract at Arsenal, will wait until he returns from his honeymoon later next month before he makes his decision.

Hull midfielder Jimmy Bullard will also take his time before he decides whether he wants to take up the offer of a move to Celtic.

Meanwhile, talks between the Parkhead club and South Korea international Cha Du-ri are continuing. The 29-year-old defender, available on a free transfer from German side Freiburg, remains positive as he said: "I am excited about playing for Celtic and living in Glasgow. Celtic are a big club and have a good chance of winning trophies."