Masterful Deal Sees Samaras Bought By The Bhoys

Celtic Said To Have Paid £3.5 Million For Greek Striker

By Tony Quinn

Celtic have completed the signing of Greece striker Georgios Samaras from Man City. Samaras spent four months on loan at Celtic last season and has signed a three-year contract with the champions. "I hope that more good moments come for both me and the club". He said: "I wanted to stay here, Celtic wanted to keep me here and both sides are happy with this transfer. Last season was four really enjoyable months for me and a great experience for me to play in both the Scottish Premier League and the Champions League. I think we finished in the best possible way, winning the championship and I am really proud of what we achieved. It was the best moment in my career so far and I am really happy that I have signed here and I hope that more good moments come for both me and the club."

Celtic have completed the signing of teenage Rochdale defender Matty Hughes on a three-year professional contract. Hughes, 16, was a virtual ever present in Dale's youth and reserve teams last season even though he was at school. Celtic have agreed an undisclosed fee with the League Two club as part of a compensation package. As part of the agreement Celtic will travel to Spotland for a friendly game at a mutually convenient date. Additionally Rochdale will have access to loan deals for some of Celtic's younger squad players.

Leeds United have been joined on their tour of Ireland by former Celtic defender Paul Telfer. The 37-year-old full-back has accepted the chance to train with Leeds during their three-game spell in the Republic of Ireland following a seven-month break from professional football. Telfer has been without a club since terminating his contract with Bournemouth in December. The defender agreed to cancel his one-year deal at Dean Court in order to have surgery on a niggling foot problem, an operation which sidelined him for the second half of last season. Telfer will work alongside McAllister's players this week, with the Elland Road club set to play their first match against Galway United.

Reports say Gabriel Tamas is set to complete a £3.5million move to Celtic after the Parkhead club received permission to speak to the Auxerre defender. The 24-year-old Romania international is set to become Gordon Strachan's third signing of the summer following the recent recruitment of Georgios Samaras and Paddy McCourt from Derry City. Auxerre manager Jean Fernandez said: "I expected to see Gabriel back at training on Monday after he was given an extended break following his hectic summer with Romania. But I got a call first thing from his agent to confirm he was on his way to Glasgow to talk to Celtic. If it all goes through then I will be delighted for Gabriel. He is a big, big player with huge ambitions in the game and Celtic are the right club to match them."

Le Mans chairman Henri Legarda claims his club are waiting to hear back from Celtic after giving their valuation for defender Marko Basa. The Serbian stopper, who signed from OFK Belgrade in 2005, is keen to depart Stade Leon-Bollee this summer. Reports had suggested Le Mans' asking price for Basa, claimed to be in the region of £6.5million, was out of reach for Celtic. However, the Ligue 1 club have opened talks with the SPL champions in a bid to strike a deal over Basa's transfer. Legarda told L'Equipe: "Indeed, Basa wants to join a foreign club. He says we pay too many taxes in France. Celtic asked us to talk with the player. We made an offer to Celtic. We gave them a transfer fee on Friday. We are waiting for their answer. We are under no pressure."

John Kennedy has not yet signed an agreement to go on loan to SPL rivals Motherwell, according to the Bhoys. It was reported that Kennedy and his Hoops team-mate Jim O'Brien had been snapped up on loan by Well manager Mark McGhee ahead of the club's pre-season tour of Austria. Kennedy, 24, flew out with the Fir Park squad last Sunday night and although he was not down to take part in any games whilst there, the Scotland defender was reportedly pencilled in to make his debut when Motherwell face Wolves at home next Wednesday. McGhee was quoted as saying: "I would think Celtic will want to see how well John does and then bring him back to challenge for a first-team place in their set-up. He won't play on this trip but it will give him time to get ready and get to know everybody. John will make his debut against Wolves but it's still to be decided whether or not he will play for us in the UEFA Cup. However, a Celtic spokesman said: "Contrary to reports there has been no agreement reached with Motherwell to take John Kennedy on loan. There are also other clubs interested in taking John on loan but nothing has been decided yet."