China captain Zheng close to joining Celtic

China captain Zheng Zhi is close to joining Celtic, according to the Scottish club’s manager Tony Mowbray.

Zheng is a free agent after his contract at League One Charlton expired at the end of last season and has reportedly been offered a two-year contract at Parkhead.

The move can be completed outside the transfer window, which closed at 1600GMT on Tuesday, as long as Celtic can secure a work permit for the 29-year-old.

Hoops boss Tony Mowbray, who tried to sign Zheng while he was West Brom boss, said: “Zheng Zhi is a player I have tracked for some time.

“He is a highly-regarded player and was a thorn in our side when he played against us at West Bromwich Albion.

“I am delighted that he may join us. He will significantly add to the squad with his quality and the fact that he can play in a number of positions.

“We now need to tie up loose ends and obtain a work permit, which we hope to do before our next game.”

Zheng joined Charlton in December 2006 from Shenzhen, scoring nine goals in 63 games for the Addicks.