Celtic plan Bellamy bid

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has confirmed that the club retains an interest in signing Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy, even though the 32-year-old Wales international earns £80,000 per week in wages.

The Northern Irishman hopes to speak with representatives of the Barclays Premier League club this weekend when both teams compete in the Dublin Super Cup.

Bellamy already played for Celtic

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is also poised to renew his interest in the striker, this follows City signing Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid, pushing Bellamy even further down the pecking order at Eastlands.

Bellamy became a popular figure among the Hoops faithful during a successful loan spell in Glasgow six years ago when a Newcastle player.

Bellamy’s long-standing knee problem caused him to fall out soon after Mancini took over from previous manager Mark Hughes in December 2009.

His relationship with the club broke down to the point that he was loaned out to Championship club Cardiff last season despite having been one of the club’s most effective performers and a big crowd favourite.

With his pleas to be released on a free transfer being rejected by the City board, who want some return on their £14 million outlay, he has now decided to do all he can to convince Mancini he is worthy of consideration for a return to the first-team squad.

However, it is understood Bellamy has had talks with City chief executive Garry Cook and told him he is ready to buckle down and fight for a first-team place in the final year of his contract.

Bellamy has impressed City officials with his attitude since returning for pre-season training at the start of the month, even though Mancini left him out of his squad for the tour of the US and Canada and also for this weekend’s Dublin Super Cup.

Meanwhile, Celtic are prepared to hijack Rangers’ move for Dundee United striker David Goodwillie. Manager Neil Lennon has asked to be kept informed of the player’s situation.

Lennon will make a decision on trialist Stipe Pletikosa on Thursday after the goalkeeper played in their 2-0 loss to Wolves.

Mexico international Efrain Juarez has joined Real Zaragoza on a season-long loan after failing to hold down a regular first-team spot with Celtic.

The 22-year-old made 11 starts and nine appearances off the bench after being bought for £3m from Pumas last summer.

Tags: Celtic, Craig Bellamy, manchester city, Neil Lennon, Sunderland, Wales