Celtic are lining up a move to sign Hearts number one Marian Kello, STV has learned.

The Slovakian international, who moved to Tynecastle in 2008 from FBK Kaunas, is out of contract at the end of the season.

It is understood the Parkhead club are considering signing the keeper on a pre-contract, but have not ruled out making a move to sign him in January.

Celtic’s current number one, Fraser Forster, is on loan from Newcastle United until the end of the season and the contract of his deputy, Lukasz Zaluska, also expires at the end of the campaign.

Kello initially joined Hearts on loan from Kaunas before making his move permanent in 2010.

The 29-year-old has made 80 appearances for Paulo Sergio’s side and has been a virtual ever-present this campaign, playing 18 times and keeping six clean sheets.

Kello has been offered a new contract to keep him in Gorgie. Hearts players are currently without their December wages, which were due on the 16th of the month.

The squad’s November wage was also overdue and was eventually paid on December 15.