SERIE A side Bologna last night confirmed they've made a move to lure Shunsuke Nakamura from Celtic.

Club President Alfredo Cazzola wants the Japanese midfielder to be the inspiration behind his team's transformation from also-rans to title contenders. But Bologna face stiff opposition from fellow Italians Sampdoria and Palermo, who also want to bring Nakamura back to the country he left for Celts in 2005.

Cazzola said: "We want to build a great team at Bologna and the first new face I want on board is Nakamura.

"We have already formalised our offer to Celtic, so they know the conditions of the proposed transfer.

"We are waiting to hear back from Celtic about the offer once they've discussed it with the player. We hope they'll give us permission to speak to Nakamura. If they do we'll contact him to discuss the move."

Nakamura has been the good-luck charm for Celtic in the championship since leaving Reggina three years ago. He's won three league medals in a row and helped guide Celtic into the last 16 of the Champions League on two of the last three seasons.

The fans would be against any decision to sell their hero now involvement in the group stage of next season's Champions League has been guaranteed.