Celtic are said to be closing in on the signing of Sydney van Hooijdonk.

The Bologna forward was last night left out of Thiago Motta's squad for their game against AC Milan, which finished in a 2-2 stalemate.

And the 23-year-old could reportedly be set to follow in his dad Pierre's footsteps by joining the Hoops.

The son of the Celtic icon has been linked with a move to Glasgow for some time. The champions have been linked with a loan move until the end of the season.

Now, it seems there has been a major update on the player's situation.

It was suggested by broadcasters on TNT Sports that Van Hooijdonk's absence from last night's draw at the San Siro was because he is nearing a move to Celtic Park.

The commentator said: "Sydney van Hooijdonk is the absent man upfront, not even in the squad, with an apparent move to Celtic on the cards."

Bologna are believed to have told the frontman he can leave on loan before the end of the window.

He recently addressed his future. He said: "I’m at a good team and I like life a lot. But I have to do what’s best for my growth. For my career. I also have to play.

“In football, things can change quickly, who knows what will happen?

"Now, there is Joshua who is playing a great season. Do the rumours about my possible transfer bother me?

"It’s normal when you don’t play. In the last year-and-a-half, I’ve played a lot and also scored a lot.

"In my opinion, Bologna isn’t the same as when I came here two years ago. Everything has improved. The level…everything. We’ll see what happens.”

READ MORE: Defender admits patchy Parkhead pitch doesn't 'favour how Celtic play'

Meanwhile, Celtic match-winner Alistair Johnston tonight admitted the “patchy” Parkhead pitch is preventing the Scottish champions from playing the free-flowing football their manager Brendan Rodgers wants to see – but stressed they can’t use it as an excuse for poor performances.

Canadian right-back Johnston scored his first-ever goal at Celtic Park after just 54 seconds of the cinch Premiership game against second-bottom Ross County this afternoon and his strike was all that separated the two teams at the end of the 90 minutes.