CELTIC EYES ON MANE MAN

However, the four-in-a-row champions face opposition from French duo Marseille and Monaco while old European foes Legia Warsaw fancy the tricky touchline star.

Bournemouth were also interested, but have cooled their interest and the Hoops hope Mane’s aim to play in the UK could sway a deal in their favour.

The Portuguese giants have confirmed the Parkhead side’s interest in the outside-right who has fallen out of their first team plans this season. A temporary transfer may be the answer to the problem.

Glasgow-based agent Cesare Marchetti has been given the mandate by Sporting to find Mane a club in Britain and he believes the 21-year-old would be a sensation at Ronny Deila’s outfit.

He said: “Carlos is a fantastic young talent and would be a great investment for which ever club wins the race to sign him.

“We have had firm interest from several clubs across Europe, but I think Carlos would totally light up the Scottish game, his pace and confidence as a winger is exciting to watch and he would quickly become a fans’ favorite wherever he ends up.

“Discussions are ongoing with a number of clubs at this point in time, its early days yet. He is in a good position with a number of offers to think about.”

Meanwhile, Deila has been running the rule over Romanian right-back Andrei Peteleu at Lennoxtown this week. The 23-year-old is out of contract after playing for Petrolul Ploieti in the Romanian Liga 1 and is keen to win a deal with the Hoops.

John Collins said: “He’s trained well and we’ve been monitoring him. The scouting department flagged him up and he was available to come in on trial.

‘That’s a perfect scenario – bring him in and have a look. I’m all for that – seeing a player in the flesh against our wingers.”

Collins also admitted to being impressed by 6ft 5in Norwegian youngster Kristoffer Ajaer, whom he says has slotted in well despite being only 17.

He added: “ Here’s here for a week and once that’s over we’ll sit down and decide if we think he’s good enough and if we can do a deal.

“He looks like he’s very happy. You can tell he’s a wonderful professional, he looks great and is positive. He’s very mature for a young boy.

“It’s a big thing for him to come over here among seasoned professionals and internationals. It tells you a lot about his character and personality that he’s nice and relaxed on the training pitch.”