CELTIC IN CAULKER TALKS

CELTIC have opened formal talks with Queens Park Rangers over a deal for central defender Steven Caulker.

Brendan Rodgers revealed last week that he was helping his former Swansea skipper battle personal problems.

Now the Hoops boss has made his move to land the former England star, 25, in a cut-price deal.

Caulker, who joined Cardiff City from Spurs for a club record fee of £8million in July 2013, is currently out of the picture at Loftus Road.

Rodgers believes he can help relaunch the career of the 6ft 3in centre-half who has also had spells at Liverpool and Southampton.

Caulker recently admitted to battling gambling, drink and depression issues.

But if he regains top form, he could prove a bargain signing in an area Celts are short following news Dedryck Boyata is out for three months with a knee injury.