FORMER CELTIC and Hibs midfielder Liam Henderson is closing in on a move to Serie B side Lecce after deciding to continue his career in Italy. 

The Puglia-based club, who were relegated from the top flight last term, have struck a deal with Hellas Verona and the 24-year-old is expected to complete the switch in the coming days. 

Henderson spent the tail end of last season on loan at Empoli - helping them secure a promotion play-off place in the second tier - and they were desperate to secure his signature on a permanent basis. 

However, Lecce appear to have won the race for the playmaker’s services after Verona boss Ivan Juric made it clear he would not be part of their plans in the coming Serie A campaign.  

Henderson’s Italian representative Emiliano Salvarezza recently admitted there was a swathe of interest in the midfielder, with Lecce among his admirers. 

Salvarezza stated: “Liam has numerous offers and options from many team but until something changes will stay focused for Verona. 

“Lecce? I cannot deny he is a priority for them.” 

Henderson has been based in Italy since January 2018 when he joined Bari from Celtic after impressing World Cup-winner Fabio Grosso - their boss at the time - on trial. 

He joined Hellas a year later, helping them win promotion to the top-flight - before becoming the first Scot to play in Serie A since Graeme Souness 33 years earlier when he lined up against Bologna last season.

Henderson also boasts Scottish Cup and Norwegian Cup wins following loan stints at Hibs and Rosenborg, while he turned out 37 times for boyhood club Celtic.