Kljestan Move Could Be Finalized By Friday

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Chivas USA Sacha Kljestan Alex Zotinca (ISI)

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Celtic is expected to have a decision on Sacha Kljestan joining the team by Friday. The 23-year-old American will return to the United States Thursday to join the US National team after training with The Hoops in Scotland for the past week.

The SPL frontrunners have already inked Welsh striker Ched Evans from Manchester City and the signing of Kljestan fits into the new mold that the team is taking in recruiting players. Go young, and go cheap.

“A new strategy was required and we're trying to find and rear other exciting young talent, at a financial level that is manageable to us,” said chief executive Peter Lawwell.

The new strategy for Celtic is one that could open doors to a top club for some of the world's lesser-know talents.

“The top transfer fees and salaries today are pretty much out of our reach. But what we've got is a great club, a great brand, and 60,000 people coming to watch us every week,” Lawwell said. "We've also got a decent chance of playing in the Champions League most seasons, so all of these are aspects we can sell' to a young player.

The offer for Kljestan is reportedly around $2.7 million US, making him a bargain buy even if he is still a work in progress.

"Some of these players are gambles on our part. But I think it's an option we have to pursue," said Lawwell of signing unproven youths.

Kljestan is not the only target Celtic expects to have decisions on in the next few days. The Scottish giants are also chasing Chelsea product Morten Nielsen and should have him signed soon.

--Allen Ramsey, Goal.com