More transfers to come

Last updated : 02 August 2006 By Neil Burns

The Celtic management have stated that the clubs transfer dealings have not yet ended this summer. With Brian Quinn stating that they have been the biggest Scottish spenders in the transfer market so far; paying undisclosed fees for Jari Jarosik and Evander Sno, along with the Bosman's picked up, we must take the Chairman's word for this.

The transfer deadline for registering players for the group stage of the Champions League being 31st August, time is on our side to bring in a few more faces.

Any arrivals do seem to hinge on what happens with the Stilian Petrov situation.

Petrov still seems determined to leave a club playing in UEFA's premier competition for, it would seem from who have shown interest, a team that have no European commitments.

So far Fulham, Everton, Portsmouth and now Aston Villa have been linked with the Bulgarian. The Villa rumour is a result of the newspaper talk of Martin O'Neill seemingly certain to be confirmed Villa manager at some point soon by who ever turns out to buy the club. It has also been quoted that Monaco are also preparing to join the bidding; another team with no European football to look forward to this coming season.

Speculation is also rife how Celtic will spend the money they get from the Petrov sale.

The current likely candidates are Carmine Coppola (Messina; he is their version of Genaro Gattuso); Jason Koumas (West Bromich Albion); Antoliy Timoshcuk (Shakhar Donetck – quoted at £6.8million); Ivaylo Petkov (free agent) and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (PSV).

With the Petrov sale likely to bring in about £5-7million; apart from Petkov who is due to come for a trial we may be priced out of the other players being talked about.

Personally I think Vennegoor of Hesselink should be the priority signing, just to see what songs we can include such a name.