Celtic hold talks with Kouassi Eboue

Celtic have moved closer to their first signing of the January transfer window after holding talks with FC Krasnodar midfielder Kouassi Eboue.

Eboue arrived in Scotland to push through a £2.8million move and has visited Celtic Park.

The Ladbrokes Premiership leaders had earlier agreed a fee with the Russian club.

The 19-year-old will need to secure a work permit before a deal can be finalised. Eboue has been called up by Ivory Coast but is yet to make his international debut.

The deep-lying anchorman has made 18 appearances for Krasnodar this term and helped them reach the last 32 of the Europa League. He has impressed Russian pundits with his defensive capabilities but is also noted for his dribbling and passing skills.