Danny Simpson has lifted the lid on the collapse of his proposed move to Celtic.

The former Leicester City defender has blamed the board of the Scottish Premiership champions are the reason for the deal falling flat in 2019.

The one-time Premier League winner was targetted by Neil Lennon that summer after the Irishman was appointed as the permanent successor to Brendan Rodgers.

The Hoops instead opted to buy Jeremie Frimpong and sign Moritz Bauer on loan from Stoke City in that window, instead, but Simpson insist a deal was 'very close'.

He'd just left the Foxes at the time, and he ended up signing for Huddersfield Town.

Simpson is now retired from football but turned out for Manchester United Legends during a charity match against Celtic Legends at Old Trafford yesterday.

Speaking to CeltsAreHere, the 37-year-old opened up on the move that never happened.

“I came very close, I was gutted actually," the former right-back said. "I wanted to go there and win trophies but it didn’t happen.

"I spoke to the manager at the time, Neil Lennon, he wanted it to happen. Unfortunately, that’s one of the things I would have liked to have got over the line.

"Why didn't it happen? “The board. Neil rang me and said ‘It’s not going to happen’. It’s one of those things. It’s a long time ago now, it was 2019. It’s a shame because I know the club, amazing things, but it wasn’t meant to be, unfortunately.”

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Meanwhile, Celtic's record transfer Arne Engels has been sent home from the Belgium camp ahead of their showdown against France after a little-known UEFA rule.

The £11 million midfielder capped a brilliant week after securing his move to the Hoops and then coming on as a sub for his debuts for both Celtic in their Old Firm win and his country in their Nations League win against Israel.