Celtic have beaten Rangers for Dutch defender Glenn Loovens after agreeing a deal with Cardiff City

After an initial offer of £1.5m was rejected by Bluebirds,the SPL champions last night agreed a £3million fee with Cardiff City for the highly-rated stopper.

The Loovenator is expected in Glasgow within the next 24 hours to complete the signing formalities.

The centre-half’s arrival is a major coup for Gordon Strachan. who was impressed with Loovens during the pre-season Algarve Cup .

Loovens, who was entering the final year of his contract at Ninian Park, will now challenge Stephen McManus and Gary Caldwell for a place at the heart of the Hoops defence.

If all goes to plan, he is hoping to be available for Sunday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League game against Dundee United.

Strachan's priority was to boost his defensive options for his side’s Champions League campaign and a shot at a fourth League title in a row.

John Kennedy is out on loan and the Hoops still hope to offload Greedy Bobo before the transfer window closes.

Tthe Dutchman told the Scottish Daily Express:

"I had the choice of Rangers and Celtic and it was a hard decision to make.

"But the chance to play in the Champions League is what swung it for me. It's a stage every player wants to grace.

"I was flattered by Rangers' interest but the chance to play in Europe was just too good to turn down.

"I'm delighted to be joining a club like Celtic. The are a big club and it will be a dream to play for them.

"Everything should be tied up over the next two days and I'm hoping to be available for the game on Sunday."