Celtic try to tempt Aston Villa's Curtis Davies to Scotland

Celtic have approached Aston Villa over taking Curtis Davies on loan for the rest of the season. The defender is believed to be keen on the move as he nears a return to full training following a shoulder injury which has sidelined him since August. Davies is eager to get a sense from Villa's manager, Martin O'Neill, as to whether he has a long-term future at the club. Under the terms of the contract he signed when he joined from West Bromwich Albion, Villa will be obliged to renegotiate his deal if he makes two more starts for them. With Richard Dunne and James Collins established as Villa's first-choice centre-backs and Carlos Cuéllar also able to play in that position, Davies may be made available for sale this summer. Celtic have seen their ranks diminished by the departure of Barry Robson, Willo Flood and Chris Killen to Middlesbrough and of Gary Caldwell to Wigan Athletic. The Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos has also been linked with a move to Celtic Park.