O'Neill rules out Kleberson move

Kleberson in action against Turkey

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill will not be chasing the signature of Brazilian World Cup winner Kleberson when the January transfer window opens.

At the start of the season O'Neill had hoped to bring the player to the club on loan, with a view to a permanent deal, but that collapsed after his club, Atletico Paranaense, demanded greater guarantees over a permanent deal.

According to a representative for the midfielder, the deal was set to be resurrected in the New Year.

However, O'Neill has ruled out any further moves for the tough-tackling star.

Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill said: "When we obtained the work permit for Kleberson it was for a loan deal.

"We wanted the player for a couple of months to see whether he would fit in, to see if he would take to Scotland.

"Now things have changed.

"I understand there are quite a number of teams in for him now.

"So, in terms of trying to buy him, that is completely out of the question."

Kleberson has also been linked with Leeds United, Roma and Bayer Leverkusen.