Sampdoria’s interest in Giorgios Giakoumakis is only to take the striker on loan with a permanent move dependent on their Seria A survival.
It sounds like the sort of move that both Celtic and the player can easily resists.
A contract stand off looks like ending with the striker’s departure but the side sitting in 19th place in Serie A, six adrift of Spezia in the safety of 17th spot appears to be an unlikely destination.
Covering the state of play with Giakoumakis, the Daily Record reports:
Talks over a new deal have stalled and the Greek international looks set for the Parkhead exit door. As Record Sport revealed yesterday, Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds have put a double-your-money offer on the table and are pushing to land him in an initial £4million deal.
Italian side Sampdoria are also keen but that is a loan with an option to buy if they remain in Serie A. There is also interest in Giakoumakis from Major League Soccer, Scandinavia and Russia.
The consequences of dropping down to Serie B would obviously be harsh on Samp but there seems very little attraction to Celtic of sending the striker out on loan to a club struggling for goals with just 12 scored in 17 matches.
With more than a fortnight to go it looks like there are many wheels spinning as Ange Postecoglou looks to strengthen his squad with departures looking inevitable.
Kyogo Furuhashi is Celtic’s first choice striker but with Giakoumakis coming off the bench in the six matches played since the World Cup break the 28-year-old has an important role to play while he remains at the club.
“As Record Sport revealed yesterday….”
So it’s 99% made-up pish then…?