Celtic have failed in a bid to sign Germany full-back Andreas Hinkel on loan from Sevilla, but may be able to lure him on a permanent deal.The Spaniards are thought to want a £2.1million fee for the 26-year-old, who is frustrated at a lack of first-team action with the UEFA Cup holders.

Sevilla sporting director Ramon Rodriquez revealed Celtic had made a loan offer.

"Our answer was negative as Hinkel will only leave the club in a sale," he told the Scottish Sun.

"We want to receive bids for him and if that happens, there could still be movement."

Hinkel's agent has claimed at least three clubs are trying to sign him, with Wolfsburg reportedly keen to take him back to Germany.

But the player has described Parkhead as the ideal destination.

"I came here to play but that has become impossible because Daniel Alves is in my position," said the 25-year-old former Stuttgart player.

"I have told the club that I'd like to move and, of course, Celtic would be perfect for me.

"It is a club with great history and they are in the last 16 of the Champions League again.

"I haven't spoken to anyone from Celtic yet but I know the position and it would be a favourable move for me."

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan is keen to add to his defence in January with full-backs Mark Wilson, Lee Naylor and Jean-Joel Perrier-Doumbe all injured.

And the club have also been linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain full-back Bernard Mendy, who is out of contract in the summer. The 26-year-old had a loan spell at Bolton during the 2002/3 season.

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