The French international midfielder Lassana Diarra has agreed a six-month deal to join Celtic, according to a report in his homeland.

France Football claims the former Portsmouth, Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid man, who is a free agent after his contract expired at Lokomotiv Moscow, will join until the end of the season with an option for a further year.

The 29-year-old had been expected to sign for Newcastle United after the Barclays Premier League club expressed an interest in acquiring his services last week, yet it appears that Celtic, who have been monitoring the player's situation for some time, have made the first move for Diarra, who has won 28 caps for France.