Celtic move for Bellamy

Scottish Premier League champions Celtic are believed to be closing in on a loan deal for Newcastle outcast Craig Bellamy.

The 25-year-old Wales striker snubbed a £6million move to Birmingham earlier today and Hoops boss Martin O'Neill is thought to have seized the opportunity to put together a package to try to bring him to Parkhead.

Bellamy's Wales team-mate John Hartson is at Celtic and would be in favour of a link-up with the player.

Bellamy was told he had no future at St James' Park after accusing manager Graeme Souness of lying following a row over the player feigning an injury before a Barclays Premiership match against Arsenal.

It is thought that Souness and Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd will not sanction a loan deal for Bellamy with an English Premiership club.

Before the Magpies' FA Cup win over Coventry on Saturday, Souness said: "He (Bellamy) can't play for me ever again. He can't go on television and accuse me of telling lies.

"I'm not going to dwell on it but I think in most walks of life that would be the case."

Newcastle fans were not happy with Nolberto Solano's sale to Aston Villa and no doubt Shepherd is anxious to avoid Bellamy coming back to haunt the Magpies with a Premiership rival.