Scottish giants Celtic have been given a clear run at Middlesbrough defender Rhys Williams.
The Australian international was a target for Premier League club Swansea City but reports suggest that the Welsh club are set to pull the pin on a proposed deal.
25-year old Williams has been with Boro since 2005, only departing for a loan with Burnley in 2009, but current Riverside Stadium boss Aitor Karanka is prepared to let him go this month.
Hoops manager Neil Lennon is believed to be weighing up a £1.5million offer for Williams who can operate as a centre-back or a defensive midfielder.
