ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN is poised to become Celtic’s first signing of the summer.
The former Arsenal, Liverpool and England international is ready to agree a new 12-month deal at the champions, according to a report in Sky Sports.
The 32-year-old midfielder joined the Hoops as a free agent in February after being released by Turkish outfit Besiktas.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, who made 12 appearances at the champions, scored a stoppage-time winner against Livingston at Parkhead on his debut and his only other strike was also a points-clincher against St Mirren at the same venue in April.
HOOP HOOP HURRAY…Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain holds aloft the the Scottish Cup as Celtic seal a remarkable league and Cup double.
And the 35-times capped player accepted the responsibility of taking the first penalty-kick in the Scottish Cup quarter-final shoot-out against Rangers at Ibrox in March. He made a perfect job of stroking a drive beyond Jack Butland.
Auston Trusty, Reo Hatate and Tomas Cvancara followed his example and netted with their attempts from 12 yards as the visitors triumphed 4-2 on their way to ultimate success in the trophy with the 3-1 win over Dunfermline at Hampden on May 23 where Oxlade-Chamberlain made a second-half substitute’s appearance.
Martin O’Neill was eager to bring the experienced campaigner back to Parkhead and the veteran boss will get his wish with the former £35million man on his way to play a role in the forthcoming season.
Equally, it appears Oxlade-Chamberlain enjoyed working alongside the Irishman during his short-term stay in which, of course, sealed a dramatic league and Cup double.
The middle-of-the-park performer reportedly knocked back offers from other clubs around Europe.
