CELTIC expect to find out before the weekend if they have managed to attract Juan Agudelo to Parkhead.

The United States star spent several days last month training with the Hoops first team at Lennoxtown.

Agudelo was very impressed by the way he was treated, the facilities and the Celtic players and management.

The 20-year-old striker also spent time with West Ham, and admitted the prospect of playing in the English Premier League excited him.

But Celtic have refused to give up hope they can win the race to sign Agudelo, and the fact Neil Lennon has a track record for giving young players the platform to develop and improve is believed to be a major attraction to him.

The Hoops boss said: "We are still monitoring that situation at the minute.

"We might have something over the next couple of days. I can't be more definite than that just now."

With his MLS club, Chivas USA, reporting back for pre-season training, it is decision time for Agudelo, who has spent the last three weeks at

TURN TO PAGE 54

CELTIC expect to find out before the weekend if they have managed to attract Juan Agudelo to Parkhead.

The United States star spent several days last month training with the Hoops first team at Lennoxtown.

Agudelo was very impressed by the way he was treated, the facilities and the Celtic players and management.

The 20-year-old striker also spent time with West Ham, and admitted the prospect of playing in the English Premier League excited him.

But Celtic have refused to give up hope they can win the race to sign Agudelo, and the fact Neil Lennon has a track record for giving young players the platform to develop and improve is believed to be a major attraction to him.

With his MLS club, Chivas USA, reporting back for pre-season training, it is decision time for Agudelo, who has spent the last three weeks at US national team's training camp preparing for Tuesday's game against Canada.

Reports from America claim Chivas USA are not impressed by Celtic's offer for their player.

But Lennon has confirmed he expects to know one or way or the other if the rising star of Amercian football will be heading this way.

Agudelo has been left in no doubt that, if he decides now is the time to make his move from the MLS, Celtic want to be in their pitching for him.

The Hoops boss said: "We are still monitoring that situation at the minute.

"We might have something over the next couple of days. I can't be more definite than that just now."

Agudelo is perfect fit for the kind of young player Celtic are trying to attract.

Already in this transfer window, they have signed Rami Gershon on loan from Standard Liege, along with Tom Rogic from Australian side, Central Coast Mariners.

Having a current US international star at the club would not only give Lennon another talented player, but also enhance Celtic's profile in the lucrative American market.

Lennon is bracing himself for transfer business hotting up as the final week of the window begins, and is hopeful another keeper can be added to replace Lubos Kamenar, who has had his loan deal from Nantes ended six months early.

The Hoops boss is also considering allowing a few fringe players to go out on loan to get much-needed game time as the competition for places in the Celtic side is about to get even tougher.

Kelvin Wilson is free from suspension, and Anthony Stokes is banging on the door to make his first start of the season after recovering from the ankle injury picked up in a friendly against Inter Milan in July.

Lennon is delighted to see the Republic of Ireland international back in contention and said: "He played an hour for the Under-20 side on Monday night.

"We were fortunate that, on Tuesday, we were 3-0 up against Dundee United with 10 minutes to go so decided to give him a little sample of it.

"He is a good player and has been an important player for us in the last couple of years.

"It is really good to see him back."

Stokes could be released at the end of the season, unless Celtic activate the 12-month option they hold, and is desperate to win back his first-team place.

His goals could be very important if Gary Hooper is prised away from Parkhead in this window.

But Lennon remains adamant the Englishman should stay at a club.

"Gary enjoys it here, he knows the environment, he is well respected by the players, and he is enjoying his football," said Lennon.

"I don't see any reason why he should be in a rush to go just yet, and I don't think he wants to."