The 24-year-old right-back belongs to Corinthians but has recently been on loan to Brazilian rivals Atletico Mineiro.

Corinthians president Andres Sanchez said: "Coelho has received an offer from Celtic which is favourable for the club and the player.

"I expect the deal to be concluded within the next day. It is well advanced."

Coelho won one cap for Brazil in 2003, coming off the bench in the defeat to Mexico in the Gold Cup final.

In the same year he helped Brazil win the Under-20 World Cup.

Coelho holds a contract with Corinthians until July 1 2009.

He was involved in controversy in September this year when he was banned for 120 days after fouling Cruzeiro's teenage superstar Kerlon.

Coelho elbowed the youngster during one of his trademark 'seal dribbles', where Kerlon flicks the ball up and bounces it on his forehead as he goes past opponents at pace.

The suspension was reduced to five games after Atletico Mineiro launched an appeal.