Juwon Oshaniwa: Nigeria defender keen on Celtic move

If Juwon Oshaniwa did join Celtic he would have to oust regular left-back Emilio Izaguirre for a starting place in Ronny Deila's team

Nigeria left-back Juwon Oshaniwa claims Celtic have contacted his Israeli club Ashdod to enquire about his availability.

The 24-year-old has 11 caps and played in all four of his country's World Cup games in Brazil.

Oshaniwa told BBC Scotland: "My club have told me that Celtic have contacted them about me and said they were interested in me.

"A move to play for Celtic would be a dream come true for me."

Oshaniwa has 18 months left on his contract at Ashdod, where Efe Ambrose played before his move to Celtic Park and where striker Stefan Scepovic spent a period on loan in 2013 before moving to Sporting Gijon and then Parkhead.

He added: "I would be so glad to meet up with my international team-mate Efe Ambrose.

"I would love to play at Celtic. I have heard great things about the club and know how big they are.

"I have played on the biggest stage in the world at the World Cup and it's time for me to move on. Football is a game of movement and it is time for me to move to a big club.

"I would love to play with them in the Champions League."

He has been offered a new deal at the Israeli club but insists the time is right for him to move.

Hull City and other English clubs have previously shown an interest in the Nigerian.

A UK-based agent is flying out at the invitation of the player to meet Ashdod's management to discuss a move for the player this week.