Reports last night suggested that Celtic were closing in on the signing of Danny Graham, who was freed by Sunderland last week.

The 30-year-old striker worked with Brendan Rodgers at Watford before the Celtic boss then signed him for Swansea in a £3.5m deal and could be the first signing for the new Hoops regime.

It is understood that the striker would be willing to take a pay cut to his current £35k a week package at Sunderland, where he has never been able to break into the team and hold a regular place.

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The forward who has spent most of his four years out on loan, although Blackburn Rovers - where he spent the latter half on loan last season, netting seven goals in 18 games - are also understood to be keen on making a move for the player on a permanent basis.

Graham would be seen could be seen as a back-up forward for Leigh Griffiths, especially in the domestic environment.

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It is the possibility of linking up with Rodgers again that could swing the deal in favour for Celtic if a financial agreement is brokered which is agreeable to both parties.

Meanwhile, Celtic have also been linked with a move for 26-year-old Matty Taylor who scored 27 league goals for Bristol Rovers last season in League Two.

The striker has had an unfashionable rise in the professional game after honing his career in non-league football.