Lassad Nouioui has rubbished Levante’s claims that he agreed to join the La Liga side.
Since Saturday Levante have been telling their fans and anyone else who would listen about their bid to sign the former Deportivo la Coruna striker.
Rather than trying to hush up the fact that they were duped by the players former agent the Spanish side seem determined to highlight their own incompetence in transfer matters.
Quico Catalan, president of Levante said: “During 30 hours of negotiations we closed the transfer with faxes and documents between the two parties. Until the last moment when there was silence.
“After a few hours we discovered through the press Lassad had signed for Celtic. I think we were tricked.”
Clarifying the situation the Tunisian striker said: “I was never interested in playing for Levante. My former agent, Akill, is culpable here.
“I worked with him for seven years but in this case a move to Levante wasn’t authorised. I’d no hesitation, I wanted to sign for Celtic.
“Levante was an option but not my preferred choice. I spoke to one of their directors but only about football.
“After that, Karim didn’t speak to me about going there. I’m now a Celtic player and that is all that matters. I never once agreed to go to Levante.”
Lassad signed a two year contract with Celtic on Sunday and has been registered by the club to play in the Champions League.
Meanwhile Sevco are still awaiting international clearance for Australian striker Francisco Stella.
The loan deal for Carlos Bocanegra to move to Racing Santander is also in doubt with the Spanish FA not receiving the documentation until after their transfer window closed.
If the deal collapses the USA defender will be in line for a dream return to Ibrox.
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He obviously didn’t sign for Levante, so I don’t understand what they’ve got to moan about. You lost out. Get over it!
I want to know what number he is?? I hope its 11. Don’t know why, guess I’m just old fashioned now that we have 7, 9, 10 and perhaps 11 all with attacking players. i suppose though if he’s doin the business like expecting him to do then he can be what ever feckin number he wants HH 1NL YNWA
Good news Jhimmy, on the uefa website he is number 11.
Bocanegras paperwork not arriving in time… Oooops, do you think Mr Greens fax and telephone connection has been cut off? Maybe they have used up all thier pre-paid credit at Ibrokes!
Is everyone happy with the Ins and Outs at the club? HH!
Seems like a load of the usual agent-derived hocum, but I’d still keep just a wee eye on this one – at least until the new bhoy scores his first goal or two! Glad he’s number 11 too
re the transfers etc in general, yeah, I’m pretty happy, I think it was pretty sensible business all round. there’s a real feeling that this group of guys can really grow together. Apart from the odd aberration (Hibs) the whole squad seem to be getting to know each other and work for each other. Could even be a few surprises in store in the Champs League.
Personally, the only thing needed is for lennon to get a hold of a properly dedicated Wanyama understudy – someone to follow him everywhere at training, even move in with him, go shopping, the lot! We really need someone doing what Vic does as ALL times (again, see what happened v Hibs). Our best player by far I think.