Kolo Toure to be reunited with Rodgers at Celtic

Matt Stead

Former Liverpool defender Kolo Toure is understood to be close to joining Celtic on a free transfer.

The 35-year-old was photographed outside Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow ahead of a medical on Saturday morning.

The Ivory Coast international could now sign for Celtic before they fly out to Kazakhstan on Monday for their Champions League qualifier against Astana.

The former Manchester City and Arsenal centre-back will be the second signing made by his one-time Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers since he took over as manager.

Two Celtic central defenders, Jozo Simunovic and Dedryck Boyata, are injured while Efe Ambrose was dropped for the second leg of their triumph over Lincoln Red Imps after his mistake cost the Scottish champions a losing goal in Gibraltar.

Celtic have until the eve of Wednesday’s third qualifying round first leg to make one wildcard signing that could feature against Astana.