CELTIC would be the perfect move for Sead Haksabanovic, according to the winger's former coach.

Jan Jonsson was the man who gave Haksabanovic his debut aged just 15 when he was at Halmstads in Sweden.

And the 62-year-old reckons the winger would thrive at Celtic under Ange Postecoglou if Parkhead chiefs pull off a cut-price move.

Haksabanovic is currently at Russian side Rubin Kazan but it's reported Celtic are leading the race to sign the 23-year-old for less than the £5.5m paid for the player last year.

And Jonsson reckons Celtic would be a terrific move for both parties as he recalled giving Haksabanovic his debut in Sweden.

He told The Scottish Sun: “Sead was a DIAMOND in our academy system at Halmstads.

“There was a lot of publicity when he made his debut at 15 — but he was ready."

“Sead eventually went to West Ham, then came to Sweden with IFK Norrkoping and did really well again.

“Rubin Kazan paid a lot of money for him last summer but everyone knows what happened with Russian football.

“I feel he now needs to move again and Celtic would be the perfect club for him.

“It’s a big club with Champions League football this season and it would really suit his strengths."

Jonsson is well aware of Postecoglou's ethos having come up against the Celtic boss during his stint at Yokohama F Marinos. 

Jonsson was a coach at Shimizu S-Pulse and won once and lost once in his matches directly against Postecoglou.

But, regardless of the results, Jonsson learned what makes Postecoglou's sides' work and that's led him to believe Haksabanovic would be a top signing.

He added: “I am very familiar with Postecoglou’s style from our time together in Japanese football.

“Creative players will enjoy his way of playing and I know Sead would enjoy it.

“For me, it would be the ideal place and the ideal coach for the next stage of his development.

“I last spoke to him a few weeks ago and I wish him all the best in the future.

“Sead is a good player and a great character. He has the talent to go and be a success at Celtic, if it happens.”