ANGE POSTECOGLOU is closing in on Australia international Riley McGree after a successful loan spell at Birmingham, according to reports.

The 23-year-old has starred at St Andrew's this term after arriving on loan from MLS expansion franchise Charlotte FC.

His performances have caught the interest of Celtic and now the Daily Mail say that the Hoops are eyeing a deal.

McGree's loan deal ended in December and before that he had scored three goals in 30 games.

Birmingham still hope to keep the midfielder and teammate George Friend made a public plea for him to extend his stay.

He said: "He has been great. He's a very good player.

"He has had a really tough time here because under [Aitor] Karanka he just didn’t play, even though every day in training he was arguably the best player.

"He has waited and he has got a great temperament and personality - and most of all he is a talented footballer, so I hope he can stay on some level."

It is also understood that a number of other English Championship sides are interested in the Aussie playmaker.