Top goalkeeper reveals desire to join Celtic

Estonian international goalkeeper Sergei Pareiko has revealed that he would like to join Scottish giants Celtic in January.

Pareiko, 33, currently plays for Russian side FC Tom Tomsk, but he is coming to the end of his contract and will soon be available on a free transfer.

Celtic have been monitoring Pareiko’s progress and they may well need to add to their goalkeeping options as Newcastle have the option of recalling Fraser Forster, who is currently on loan with the Hoops, in January.

Pareiko has the option of staying with Tom Tomsk and has also been the subject of offers from other Russian sides, but he has revealed that a move to Celtic would definitely be his first choice.

"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 (Celtic goalkeeping coach) 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."