CELTIC were today lining up a move for West Brom defender Paul Robinson.

Parkhead manager Gordon Strachan has identified the tough 29-year-old as his main signing target for the problem left-back position.

And SportTimes understands the SPL champions are in the process of preparing an offer to tempt the Premiership newcomers to part with the full-back.

Robinson is entering the final year of his contract after five seasons at the Hawthorns and has become frustrated at the lack of urgency being shown by West Brom to tie him up on a longer deal.

And that could open the door for a switch to Scotland.

Celtic realise Robinson's value is considerably lower at this moment in time than it would be if he signs a contract extension.

And it's understood the player has been made aware of their interest and is extremely interesting in moving to Parkhead.

Wigan tried to land him in a £1.5m transfer this time last year, but the move collapsed when the player failed a medical. He then went on to play an important role in helping West Brom win the Championship, and was named in the team of the year for that division.

But with Lee Naylor desperate to return to England - Celtic are trying to tempt former manager Martin O'Neill to take him to Aston Villa - Strachan is determined to bring in a quality defender for the left-hand side.

It has been a problem position for Celtic and, despite an impressive debut season at the club after moving from Wolves, Naylor has dipped in form.

However, the search for a new full-back could be over if terms are agreed with West Brom.

"Paul is really flattered by Celtic's interest," said a source. "And if a deal can be reached between the teams then he'd love to move to Glasgow.

"He was excited about playing in the Premiership this season but hasn't been offered a new contract and that has been on his mind. It is up to the two teams to agree a fee first before he makes a decision."

Robinson was quoted this week as saying: "I'm still waiting for the offer. It's in the club's hands. They know I have a year to go. Talks are ongoing although not as much as I'd like them to be."

Robinson, who started his career at Watford, can also play in central defence and he has earned a reputation as a no-nonsense defender.

As a Watford player in 1999, he broke Port Vale player Stewart Talbot's leg which put him out of the game for 10 months.