GLASGOW, June 28, 2008 (AFP) - Italian first division newcomers Bologna have made a bold swoop for Celtic's Japanese star Shunsuke Nakamura, the Scottish Daily Record said on Saturday.

'We want to build a great team at Bologna and the first new face I want on board is Nakamura,' club president Alfredo Cazzola is quoted as saying.

'We have already formalised our offer to Celtic, so they know the conditions of the proposed transfer.'

Nakamura, 30, is no stranger to Italian football. He played for Reggina before signing a three-year deal worth 2.5 million pounds (5 million dollars) with Celtic in the summer of 2005.

'We are waiting to hear back from Celtic about the offer once they've discussed it with the player,' said Cazzola.

'We hope they'll give us permission to speak to Nakamura. If they do we'll contact him to discuss the move.'

The Japan international, who has helped Celtic to three consecutive league titles, was last month linked with a move to the Japanese first division side Yokohama.

Bologna won promotion to Italy's top flight earlier this month after beating Serie B rivals Pisa 1-0 on the final day of the season.