Scott Sinclair is edging closer to a £3.5million move to Celtic with Aston Villa set to decide on the forward’s future within 24 hours.

Villa had previously rejected four Celtic bids for the former Manchester City star but their stance has softened since signing Ross McCormack from Fulham in a £12m deal.

Sinclair is expected to undergo a medical over the weekend, with Celtic confident their fifth approach, which includes a series of add-on fee, will be successful.

Aston Villa’s Scott Sinclair scores from the penalty spot against Sunderland last season

Sinclair is edging closer to a £3.5million move to Brendan Rodgers’ (pictured) Celtic

The Hoops must sign off on the transfer by Monday in order to register Sinclair for their Champions League play-off against Hapoel Beer Sheva, and boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to get the deal done as soon as possible.

Sinclair is set to be left out of Villa’s squad that will travel to Sheffield Wednesday for their season opener on Sunday but could still be included if the finer details of the move are not ironed out.

Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo said yesterday/on Friday: ‘We’ve received an offer from Celtic and we’re considering this offer. Until there’s anything clearer to report we can’t say anything more.

‘It’s a fresh bid. We will have to see how the next 24 hours develop. I have until tomorrow to make a decision.’

Sinclair is set to be left out of Villa’s squad that will travel to Sheffield Wednesday

Rodgers, who worked with Sinclair in their successful shared spell at Swansea City, confirmed his interest in a reunion yesterday/on Friday ahead of Celtic’s Scottish Premiership opener at Hearts.

‘There’s no smoke without fire and there’s been a lot of smoke,’ he said. ‘Scott’s a player I know well.

‘I would really hope to sign a player before the weekend.’