New Celtic manager Gordon Strachan is hopeful he can persuade Newcastle United striker Craig Bellamy to sign a permanent deal at Parkhead despite his loan deal being up in the summer.
Strachan, who was officially unveiled today at Celtic Park, begins his managerial role on June 1 from Martin O'Neill, however the two have been working together for the past couple weeks to ensure a smooth turnover, and Strachan today revealed he had already spoken to Wales international Bellamy.
Strachan was Bellamy's manager at Coventry before the 25-year old moved to Newcastle and is confident Bellamy will commit to the club despite interest from several clubs keen to offer Bellamy a Premiership lifeline.
Strachan said: "I have worked with Craig before. He didn't give us any problems. I have spoken to him already and he is positive, very positive.
Also available to Bellamy are possible moves to Blackburn Rovers with former Wales boss Mark Hughes and former colleague Robbie Savage; a move to Steve Bruce's Birmingham City, who Bellamy rejected a move to in January; Champions League bound Everton, who have just snapped up Wales winger Simon Davies are believed to be interested in Bellamy to spearhead another successful campaign near the top of the Premiership, while David O'Leary and Aston Villa would like to build a team around the pace of the Wales forward.
The saga continues...