After earning rave reviews since moving to the Scottish Premier League, Manchester City are the latest side to be linked with a move for Biram Kayal with a view to a summer switch.
Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal have all been associated with the anchorman over the past year, but a move has so far failed to materialize.
Kayal completed a transfer to Celtic in 2010 after spending five years with Maccabi Haifa in his native Israel, winning two Israeli Premier League titles.
The 23 year-old quickly established himself as a key component of the Buoys’ starting XI in two seasons has racked up over 55 appearances with the Scottish giants.
Manchester City were understood to be chasing the signature of Daniele de Rossi in the past two transfer windows but after the Italian penned a contract extension with Roma, it seems unlikely that Roberto Mancini will get his man.
The Citizens will need reinforcements in defensive midfield before next season, with Nigel de Jong reportedly keen on a move away from the Etihad Stadium,
Despite his age, Kayal is also surprisingly experienced on the international stage and has already featured for the Israeli national side on 21 occasions.
The central midfielder is currently out of action until June because of injury and could be keen on a move to English giants, Manchester City, who still lead the race for the Premier League title.
Should he complete a transfer away from Celtic Park, Kayal would be expected to cost around £7.5m and with Financial Fair Play in sight, summer spending may be lower than usual in 2012.