JOHN Hartson is wanted by top Italian Serie A outfit Reggina and they could be ready to swoop in a £3m raid for the Celtic outcast in the new year.

Wales star Hartson was watched by the Italian club during Wales 2004 European Championship qualifying win against Italy at the Millennium Stadium last week.

Reggina are believed to be the latest side to track out-of-favour Hartson, who has been left kicking his heels on the bench at Celtic, after a handful of other clubs joined the chase for the Swansea-born striker.

Everton and Middlesborough are also eyeing the player which may see his future away from Parkhead.

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has also thrown in his hat into the ring to take Hartson to Fratton Park when the transfer window opens in January.

Redknapp had the 27-year-old former West Ham, Wimbledon and Arsenal man under his wing at Upton Park.

But Reggina are thought to be making preparations about thrashing out a financial package to lure Hartson to Italy.

They could be willing to pay £3m for him, meaning Celtic manager Martin O'Neill would have to write off the same amount having paid Coventry City £6m when he was transfered to Scotland.

The player has had talks with O'Neill recently over concern at being overlooked in preference to Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton at Celtic.

"You can never keep all players happy at a club," said O'Neill.