Swiss defender Ziegler claims Celtic have offered him deal

Celtic have made a shock move for Switzerland’s former Spurs and Juventus defender Reto Ziegler and have offered him a deal, according to the player.

But they face competition from La Liga’s Real Betis, who are also interested in signing the 31-year-old Sion captain.

Ziegler, pictured, who can play at left-back or central defence, is out of contract at Sion in his homeland and wants a new challenge. He revealed in a Swiss newspaper that he is weighing up a move to the Scottish champions.

Asked if Celtic and Betis had offered him a deal, Ziegler said: “That’s true. But before I meet with those two clubs, I will also meet with the people who run Sion to find out more. The offers from Celtic and Betis are an honour for me. But without wanting to sound snooty, I think I deserve it, I’ve had a good season.

“I am getting married at the weekend and if I moved to Scotland, she would want to move abroad again with me I hope! But we are not there yet.”

Ziegler has played in Switzerland, England, Italy, Germany, Russia and Turkey and has played in the past two World Cups for his country. He was at Spurs as a teenager but left ten years ago after losing his place to Gareth Bale, following loan spells at Hamburg and Wigan.