Basa is fuming with the French outfit over the size of the fee that scared off Borussia Dortmund last month. But he is desperate to go to Parkhead and said: "I'd welcome the opportunity to join Celtic because they are a club with a proud history.

"They also have a manager in Gordon Strachan who has achieved great things as a player and also as the leader of Celtic.

"At the moment the situation is out of my control but I will do what I can to make this transfer happen."

Celtic hope Le Mans will cut the fee to £4.5m and need the 25 year old to push things at his end to smooth the way to a deal.

A source close to Basa said: "Interest from Celtic has been registered and it is an exciting option for Marko.

"There are complications with the fee but meetings are scheduled between the parties."