CELTIC want to sign Craig Bellamy on a permanent basis and have opened transfer negotiations with Newcastle United over the Wales forward. Bellamy has been impressive after his January loan move to the Glasgow club, where he will remain until the end of the season, although Celtic’s most difficult task may involve persuading Bellamy as to the merits of their case.
Mark Hughes, the Blackburn Rovers manager, has also reiterated his interest in Bellamy, whose preference would be to join a club able to guarantee him Champions League football, which may tempt Everton to submit a bid should they finish fourth in the Barclays Premiership. The player, who will not be permitted to resume his career at St James’ Park, intends to keep his options