Celtic in Nakamura approach

Saturday 9 July, 2005

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Celtic have made contact with Reggina in view of making a bid for Japanese star Shunsuke Nakamura.

The attacking midfielder will leave the Stadio Granillo outfit this summer and a number of clubs throughout Europe are keen.

It was initially believed that he would end up in Spain, with both Atletico Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna being linked.

But the Scottish giants are keen on the 26-year-old, with some reports even suggesting that a £3m bid has been accepted by the Italian side.

The international star was signed by Reggina in 2002 from Yokohama Marinos after initial interest from Real Madrid.

It is unclear at this stage whether Nakamura would consider a move to the Scotland, even if their involvement in this season’s Champions’ League may be enough to tempt him.

In confirmed moves, Empoli have released goalkeeper Mario Cassano to Second Division Piacenza.

Empoli have replaced the former Fiorentina shot-stopper with Torino’s Gianluca Berti, who returns to the club after a previous four year spell there between 1999 and 2003.