Estonia international stopper Sergei Pareiko has confirmed joining Celtic in January would be his first choice. The 33-year-old currently plays for FC Tom Tomsk, although his contract with the Russian outfit is ending and he will be available on a free transfer.
Pareiko has known about Celtic's interest for a month and while the club have not put an offer on the table he remains eager to join the Scottish giants.
"A move to Celtic would take my career to a new level - I'd love to play for such a truly big club," he told the Scottish Sun.
"I can't say how close we are to an agreement as Celtic have not made a specific offer yet, but I have known about their interest for about a month.
"Stevie Woods visited Estonia and I've spoken to him. He made a proposal to Neil Lennon to sign me in January when the transfer window opens.
"Lennon has accepted the recommendation and we are waiting to hear from the club's board.
"Tom Tomsk have also offered me an extra two years and there is another Russian Premier League club who want me but Celtic are my first choice, for sure."
