Transfer Updates: Samaras, Tamas and Atouba Deals Potential

Don't you just love the Transfer Window? No? You don't? I firmly believe that the only people that really REALLY enjoy this period of the close season are the agents who become star players in a stage that they were never experienced to be on, let alone star.

First on the agenda is Georgios Samaras. Stories were emanating from a chap called Lee Anderson claimed that Celtic were on the verge of signing the Greek striker, but the player himself has spoken out today of his bemusement not only to the deal itself, but also to the person claiming to be his agent.

He said: "I have heard about the reports but I have not heard of Lee Anderson. I'm still waiting for Celtic and Manchester City to sort things out.

"We're trying to establish why he is speaking on my behalf - he is not my agent."

And the 23-year-old admitted that he is ready to turn down any offers from European clubs to sign with the SPL champions.

"Celtic is my first option, but I don't believe things are any closer than they were last week."

Next up we have the ongoing story of Celtic's interest in Auxerre's Romanian stopper Gabriel Tamas. The French Club have been complaining that someone has been constantly linking the player with a move to Celtic. Ironic comment given that the only quotes in the press have been from Auxerre management! Here is today's comment from the French.

AUXERRE coach Jean Fernandez said: "Gabriel has three years left on his contract and unless our club president gets an offer he deems acceptable from Celtic or anyone else I'm expecting him back for pre-season training on Monday. Then I'll talk to him about his plans.

"He's been on international duty all summer and I don't know what he wants to do but I do know what I want.

"I want all the best players in my side and Gabriel is one of them. I certainly don't want to lose him.

"I have no doubts he has the ability to play for a club like Celtic. He's strong both in the head and physically.

"He would be a star for a side like Celtic. But for the moment he's our player and I'd like it to stay that way."

And finally, the agent acting on behalf of Hamburg's Cameroonian left back Timothee Atouba has confirmed that Celtic have made contact with a view to bringing his client to Celtic Park. His agent,Sven Achnitz admitted: "There has been initial contact with Celtic, but right now there is no binding offer for Tim and Hamburg to consider and I await a proposal.

"But the player is interested and if the numbers were right for both sides then we'd be happy to meet and talk with Celtic.

"Hamburg initially asked for 4 million euros, but I think that around 2.5 million euros is perhaps the right figure.

On and on the transfer window goes.

Yours in Celtic

Clydebuilt