The Leeds United manager tried to prise the player away from Parkhead in a loan deal during the January transfer window.

But now the former Scotland star has made Riordan his top target and is set to offer a straight cash deal worth three times more than the Hoops paid for the ex-Hibee two years ago.

Riordan was a prolific scorer, bagging 65 goals in three seasons at Easter Road but has made only 13 starts since switching to Celtic Park and didn’t even figure in the squad for the last two months of the season.

Meanwhile, fringe man Evander Sno has been targeted by Porto after a string of impressive international displays for the Dutch under-21 side.

Reports in Holland claim the Portuguese champions are ready to swoop for the £1million-rated 21-year-old midfielder.

And his international boss Foppe De Haan last night confirmed Sno is in line for a starting place at this summer’s Olympic Games.

De Haan said: “Evander has become a very serious option for us after his recent performances.”