Sergio Pareiko
Estonian ‘keeper Sergei Pareiko could have talked himself out of a January move to Celtic.
According to a report in The Sun today goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods has visited Estonia to offer the Tom Tomsk ‘keeper a deal to move in January.
Whether the offer is concrete or not is up for debate but players who talk up transfers in advance often find the ‘deal’ coming to a halt.
With Newcastle having an option to recall Fraser Forster in January the need for an experienced ‘keeper is obvious with Shay Given as usual at the centre of speculation.
Pareiko has spent his entire career in Estonia and Russia except for one season in Italy with lower division outfit AS Casale.
(Highlights from Estonia 1-2 Italy Euro 2012 qualifier in September)
Apart from a single season in Italy with lower division outfit AS Casale Pareiko has spent his career playing in the Estonian and Russian leagues.
“A move to Celtic would take my career to a new level – I’d love to play for such a truly big club,” the 33-year-old told The Sun.
“I can’t say how close we are to an agreement as Celtic have not made a specific offer yet, but I have known about their interest for about a month.
“Stevie Woods visited Estonia and I’ve spoken to him. He made a proposal to Neil Lennon to sign me in January when the transfer window opens.
“Lennon has accepted the recommendation and we are waiting to hear from the club’s board.
“Tom Tomsk have also offered me an extra two years and there is another Russian Premier League club who want me but Celtic are my first choice, for sure.”
The cynical may suggest that Pareiko is hoping to use interest from Celtic to help stoke up interest from other clubs.
Signing another ‘keeper will be entirely dependent on what Newcastle decide to do with Forster.
Sergio Pareiko