Celtic drop interest in Everton striker James Vaughan

By Chris McLaughlin and John Barnes

Vaughan was back in action for Everton at the weekend

Celtic have been forced to drop their interest in Everton's James Vaughan but hope to make a new signing next week.

Manager Neil Lennon said: "We are working on two or three options and I think we are pretty close to getting over the line with one or two."

The Scottish Premier League leaders had been in negotiations with Everton about a possible loan deal for Vaughan.

But the 22-year-old striker played the final 16 minutes of Sunday's 2-2 derby draw with Liverpool.

That means he has now played for a maximum permitted two clubs this season, having just returned from a loan spell with Crystal Palace, scoring five goals in 14 games for the Championship club.

Celtic would have had to pay a rental fee to bring Vaughan to Glasgow from the Barclay's Premier League club.

However, world governing body Fifa permits players to play for a maximum of two clubs per season.

Everton's forwards have struggled for goals this season, with midfielder Tim Cahill their top marksman.

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Nigerian international Yakubu has been allowed to join Leicester on loan, leaving manager David Moyes to choose from Louis Saha, Jermaine Beckford, Victor Anichebe, Magaye Gueye and Vaughan in the central striking roles.

Vaughan, who has also had loan spells at Leicester City and Derby County, made his Toffees debut in April 2005, scoring in a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Cardiff City and Hull City were linked with a move with the player at the end of last year.

Meanwhile, the agent for French striker Garra Dembele has told BBC Scotland that Celtic have tabled an offer for the 24-year-old.

Dembele has scored 27 goals for Bulgarian side Levski Sofia this season.

"I can confirm Celtic made an offer for Garra and he is very interested," said Christian Emille.

"There has also been interest from top clubs in England too.

"At the moment, Levski are weighing up all options, but the player himself would prefer a move to a club in the UK."

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