Celtic continue to chase Bellamy

Newcastle rule out Bellamy loan

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan remains hopeful of signing Craig Bellamy.

The 25-year-old, who was on loan at Celtic last season after a bust-up with Newcastle boss Graeme Souness, is due to return to St James' Park on Monday.

"Craig wants to come here compared to his other offers," said Strachan. "It depends what you want to do in life.

"Do you want to play for a club with a fantastic history and the chance to play in the Champions League? If you thrive on that then this is the place."

Newcastle have already told Celtic that another loan deal is not an option and are seeking a transfer fee of around £5m for the Welsh international.

Celtic have not appeared willing or able to find the cash necessary for a permanent transfer, while Aston Villa and Everton are understood to have tabled bids.

"He is going back to Newcastle but we will try our best," added Strachan. "The budget determines who we bring in.

"I have spoken to him regularly. We are discussing the best way to bring Craig here and we will keep doing that."

Strachan has already signed up Arsenal's Jeremie Aliadiere on a one-year loan and Polish striker Maciej Zurawski is expected to join Celtic soon.

With Chris Sutton and John Hartson already established, the arrival of Bellamy would make competition for places up front very fierce.