The Liberian-born midfielder has been scouted extensively by the Scottish champions and will be the centre of a £1.5 million transfer bid in the new year

Celtic are preparing a £1.5 million move for USA international Darlington Nagbe, though Portland Timbers insist the playmaker is not for sale, says the Scottish Sun.

Brendan Rodgers has told the board at the Scottish champions to land the creative midfielder, and the 26-year-old was subsequently wined and dined during the Hoops Champions League tie against Barcelona.

Rodgers believes an additional playmaker is key for his side's title hopes and Nagbe fits the bill having been scouted extensively by Celtic scouts.