Charlton Athletic are confident of wrapping up the signing of former Hearts captain Steven Pressley in the January transfer window.
The 33-year-old Scotland international centre-half is a free agent after leaving the Jambos following a disagreement with the club's owner, Vladimir Romanov.
Pressley was in the crowd to watch the Addicks' 2-2 draw with Fulham at The Valley, with manager Alan Pardew revealing a deal is close at hand.
He commented: "There is a good chance he will be at Charlton and he will be a good addition if we can secure him for nothing.
"We are interested in bringing him here before the transfer window, but I am never confident about signings until they are done.
"What I like about him is that he is a leader. I think we have got some very good centre-halves here, but he comes into a pack where we need characters and leadership."
iveco
Anyone remembered "All Isn't well@ Hearts FC" thread?
mcfadden
Originally posted by iveco:
Anyone remembered "All Isn't well@ Hearts FC" thread?
Hmmmm.
Me rmb too. Any1?
mcfadden
Celtic have beaten Charlton in the race to sign former Hearts skipper Steven Pressley.
Pressley held talks with both clubs after leaving Hearts earlier this month.
The Scottish international watched Charlton's draw with Fulham on Wednesday and underwent a medical at the Premiership strugglers.
However, after weighing up his options he has decided to join the reigning Scottish champions.
The 33-year-old has signed an 18-month deal at Celtic to keep him at Parkhead until May 2008.
Pressley will fill the void left by the absence of Bobo Balde through injury, but the former Rangers man will be ineligible for Celtic's UEFA Champions League campaign having played for Hearts in Europe earlier in the season.