SACHA KLJESTAN fears he may have priced himself out of a move to Celtic after his stunning hat-trick display against Sweden.

SACHA KLJESTAN fears he may have priced himself out of a move to Celtic after his stunning hat-trick display against Sweden.

Several clubs in Holland and Germany were already on the trail of the 23-year-old American, who warmed up for this weekend's international in Los Angeles by spending six days on trial at Lennoxtown.

Despite reports the framework of a deal worth around £2million to transfer Kljestan from Chivas USA was already in place with the MLS, who hold his contract, Celtic are in the same position as every other club interested in signing the Californian.

Kljestan impressed everyone during his trial, including manager Gordon Strachan, and admitted he enjoyed his time at the club where he believed he was well received.

But the $64,000 question remains: Do Celtic need to spend this kind of money - plus commit to a hefty contract - for a player in an area which is already well covered when there are other positions more in need of attention?

Dundee United loan midfielder Willo Flood is already lined up to come to Parkhead, possibly before the window closes a week tonight, but not before Wednesday's Co-operative Insurance League Cup semi-final.

With Cardiff looking for around £100,000 for the Irishman whose contract runs out in the summer, and wages not excessive, Flood is considered the kind of excellent value for money signing the club is looking to make at this stage.

Flood is trying to ignore the speculation as he prepares for his trip to Hampden but said: "If it happens it would be fair to say it would be a dream move for me."

With wide midfielder Szabolcs Huszti also inching closer to a summer arrival on a Bosman after telling his present club, Hannover, he has no intention of renewing his contract, Celtic already appear to have a number of plans well advanced.

Ched Evans remains on their target list, even though the Man City striker is now being linked with a move to Cardiff.

Sheffield United are considered more a threat to the bid to bring the 20-year-old Welshman north as sources in his homeland have revealed Cardiff's enquiry was based on a loan deal for the striker.

This was also Celtic's preferred option, but City are keen to offload the youngster who comes with a price tag of £1.2m.

The Parkhead club were also linked today with a move for experienced Czech defender Radoslav Kovac, who is surplus to requirements at Spartak Moscow.

However, this is being played down by sources at Parkhead.

The link to the 29-year-old centre-back increased speculation skipper Stephen McManus may be allowed to leave if reports Newcastle are considering a £4m bid for him are followed by a firm enquiry.

But McManus is not one of the players Celtic are looking to remove from their wage bill.