CELTIC contract negotiations with transfer target Riley McGree have reportedly stalled.

Reports claim the move for the midfielder, which was thought to be nearing completion, is facing a late breakdown.

Ange Postecoglou looked to have won the attacking playmaker in a £3million transfer swoop, however interest has now emerged from down south.

Football Scotland report Middlesbrough are circling on the 23-year-old as discussions over his Parkhead deal hit a last-minute hitch.

The outlet claims Celtic could "return to the table" to rescue the deal to sign McGree who was set to become Postecoglou's fifth signing of the January window.

But they now face the added complication of competing with the English Championship side who have made a move for McGree.

Celtic boss Postecoglou has already added Japanese trio Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi to his squad as well as Irish forward Johnny Kenny.