LIBOR KOZAK, who has been watched recently by Ronny Deila, will quit Aston Villa this month.
The 26-year-old striker has been snubbed by new boss Remi Garde for his first eight games in charge and has now been told he can leave the club.
Celtic gaffer Deila made the trip to the Midlands to see the Czech Republic international score twice for Villa’s Under-21s in a 2-1 win over Derby County.
The Norwegian was interested in the 6ft-plus frontman in the summer, but the player preferred to remain at the Premier League strugglers and fight for his place.
Garde confirmed the Hoops’ interest and added he would be free to leave on either a permanent or loan basis.
The Frenchman admitted: “Libor has been asked about at least once for a club wanting him on loan since I came.
“He has the possibility to leave if he wants. It could be a permanent move.
“I have heard about this information and the link between Celtic and Libor, but then it’s more down to him.”
Kozak joined Villa from Serie A side Lazio in September 2013 for around £5million, but scored only four goals in his first 14 league appearances.
However, he suffered a leg break in training in January 2014 and spent the next 19 months out after undergoing two operations.
Ex-boss Tim Sherwood played him only once, a 48-minute substitute appearances in the Capital One Cup.
Kozak has been ignored by Garde, who added: “For many reasons, I have the feeling he could not do better than we are doing at the moment.
“I am not saying anything bad about Libor. He’s not the only one not to be included in the squad.
“However, I saw him playing with the reserves and then I decided.”
