Juninho considering Celtic

Middlesbrough star Juninho has confirmed that he is considering a move to Celtic.

The Brazilian midfielder is a legend at The Riverside Stadium, but he seems surplus to manager Steve McClaren's requirements and may now move on.

Celtic have been strongly tipped to move for the midfielder all summer, but it now appears talks are advancing.

"I acknowledge there has been contact from Celtic," Juninho told the Daily Record.

"I'm flattered because they are such a great club.

"It has never been in my thoughts to leave Middlesbrough.

"But while I love the club, I also know I cannot turn my back on interest from a club such as Celtic. I need time to make the right decision."

The 31-year-old looks set to be squeezed out by the fact that Boro are switching to a more rigid 4-4-2 system this coming season - although many Teessiders would still be loathed to see Juninho, currently in this third spell with the club, leave.

Juninho's agent Brian Hassall also admitted that talks were ongoing with the SPL champions.

"They have already spoken and, knowing Juninho, that's no big surprise because the only person he would talk to is the manager," he said.

"It's football that's important to him before anything else - and he has a very healthy respect for Martin O'Neill.

"This is not an easy decision for him to make because he loves Middlesbrough and he loves the people there, who have taken him to their hearts."