Christian Benitez is on the verge of joining Scottish giants Celtic from Mexican club Santos Laguna.

The 24-year old Ecuador international has scored 15 goals in 17 matches in the Mexican Primera Division Apertura season and has already hit the target in the opening Clausura match, sparking interest from Parkhead.

Benitez had a season-long loan with Premiership outfit Birmingham City last term but scored just three times in 30 appearances. It looks as though he is on his way back to the UK after Celtic and Santos Laguna reportedly agreed a fee.

It is understood that Benitez will either come on loan in January or arrive permanently at the end of the season.