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CELTIC boss Neil Lennon is plotting a sensational loan swoop for Manchester City keeper Shay Given.

MailSport can reveal the Hoops have placed the Republic of Ireland star at the top of their wishlist of goalies.

And Given could be one of four players checking in at Parkhead as Lennon continues his rebuilding.

Scotland star James McFadden last night admitted he would like to join the Hoops from Birmingham.

And Celtic are closing in on the signings of Swedish stopper Daniel Majstorovic and Honduran left-back Emilio Izaguirre.

But what will really excite the fans is the move for Given. City boss Roberto Mancini dropped the 34-year-old for yesterday's 0-0 draw with Spurs.

Joe Hart started instead and Given now faces the prospect of more time on the bench after the Englishman's outstanding display.

It's understood he will hold showdown talks with Mancini tomorrow morning.

And Given looks set to ask for a loan - with Parkhead his preferred destination.

Arsenal also want to sign him but it's unlikely City will allow the player to go to a title rival.

If Given moves to Parkhead on loan it will seal a return to the club he joined as kid. Celts let him slip the net in 1994 when they made a mess of his contract renewal and he went to Blackburn.

Lennon has also been linked with a move for Given's frozen-out City team-mate Craig Bellamy.

But after yesterday's 1-0 win at Inverness in the SPL opener, the Hoops boss admitted there was no further progress on that move.

However, Lennon did confirm deals for Majstorovic and Izaguirre were nearing completion.

He said: "Majstorovic is here going through a medical so we're nearly over the line with him - and Izaguirre is in on Sunday."

As for Bellamy, all I can say is we're in the mix with other clubs."

If Celtic fail in their swoop for Bellamy then Scots star McFadden could be another option.

The 27-year-old is entering the last 12 months of his Birmingham contract, with the club yet to take up the option of another year.

And when asked if he would like to play for Celtic one day, Faddy said: "Aye. I've been away from Scotland for seven years but every six months or so a move to Celtic rears its head.

"I don't really know what's going to happen. But I'll come back one day. I'm proud of my roots.

"I'll definitely play in the SPL again - it's just a matter of when."

One player who looks set to leave Parkhead is Irish defender Darren O'Dea who is expected to join Ipswich on loan tomorrow.

Paddy McCourt was the Hoops hero yesterday as his stunning solo goal settled the game in Inverness.

But the winger could miss Thursday's Euro clash with Utrecht after suffering whiplash during a collision with Shaun Maloney as he celebrated his strike.