One of the worst kept secrets on the transfer rumor circuit has been Celtic’s pursuit of U.S. International and Portland Timbers star Darlington Nagbe. With MLS having finished up its season earlier this month, all eyes are on on the transfer window Stateside.

With Nagbe having already been around Celtic Park and the club for the Barcelona home match in Champions League Group C play, a move across the pond seemed like a viable option for one of MLS’ best prospects.

The Scottish Sun (or should we say Sevoc’s favorite paper) is reporting that the interest in a transfer for Nagbe is more than just a rumor as of now. It appears that Celtic are willing to pony up the expected $3.7 million (£3 million) for the midfielder when the January transfer window opens internationally.

Our sources here Stateside within MLS have also confirmed that this deal is imminent, and spoke to us on the condition of anonymity.

There is little doubt that Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has designs on strengthening his midfield and especially looking for a defensive minded midfielder. Not surprisingly, Nagbe fits that mold perfectly.

He also comes with international pedigree, having been capped by the United State men’s national team 10 times in his young career to date. However, his disagreement over playing time and overall usage on the international level by USMNT’s former manager Jurgen Klinsmann led to him declining a call up in October this year.

Expect that to change with Bruce Arena, formerly of the Los Angeles Galaxy, at the helm of the USMNT program once again.

A move to Celtic and the competition it will create should also be a huge help to the 26-year-old midfielder.

It appears that all that is left is for the transfer window to actually open up and a transfer fee to be agreed upon by both sides. Don’t be surprised to see this be the first of a slew of signings made by Rodgers in the coming month.