CSKA Sofia defender Ivan Ivanov could make a switch to Scottish champions Celtic during the winter break, reports in Bulgaria have claimed. Celtic are ready to fork out one million pounds sterling for the Bulgarian international, who is set to travel to Scotland for a five-day trial around Christmas.

The transfer deal is currently being brokered by the agency of the Englishman Sam Stapleton, according to the reports.

"We are aware of the interest from Celtic, and we are expecting a development in the next few days," CSKA chief executive Alexander Todorov has been quoted as saying by sports daily Topsport.

Meanwhile, the young Bulgarian defender, who will turn 21 in February, confirmed that Celtic have been interested in his services and that he himself is keen on a move to Scotland.

"My manager Emil Danchev has told me that the Scots are interested and have made an inquiry, but there is nothing concrete on the table yet. The situation will be clearer by the end of the week. If you want any further information, contact my manager," he was quoted as saying by Meridian Match sports daily.

Emil Danchev has a track record with clients who went on to play in England, including Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov, who signed for the English champions for a Bulgarian record 30.75 million pounds in September.

If Ivanov's transfer goes through, he would become the second Bulgarian to play for Celtic, following in the footsteps of Stilian Petrov, now at Aston Villla. Petrov joined the Scottish club also from CSKA for 3.4 million euro in 1999.

Ivanov has also drawn the interest of two other European teams, one of which has been confirmed to be Belgium's RSC Anderlecht.