Bari claim Donati deal

Serie A outfit Bari claim they have reached an agreement with Scottish giants Celtic regarding Italian midfielder Massimo Donati.

The Italian midfielder has spent the last two years at Parkhead, but now looks set to head back to his homeland.

Donati began his career at Atalanta, before moving on to AC Milan in 2001, and struggled to make an impact at the Giuseppe Meazza, though, and was often sent out on loan, taking in spells at Parma, Torino, Sampdoria, Messina and back at Atalanta.

The 28-year-old then moved to Scotland in 2007 and helped Celtic to the SPL title in his first season at Parkhead.

Donati soon fell out of favour under Gordon Strachan, though, and was tipped to be on the move during the 2009 January transfer window.

He ultimately remained with the Hoops and was brought back into the first-team fold on a regular basis by new boss Tony Mowbray.

However, Celtic have accepted an approach from Bari for his services and he is expected to be on his way back to Italy before the summer window slams shut.

“Celtic have accepted Bari’s offer for the transfer of midfielder Massimo Donati,” read a statement released by Bari.

“The contract formalities will be completed on Friday.

“The player has agreed a four-year deal and he is expected in Bari on Monday.”