Celtic have been told they will have to move quickly if they want to sign Romanian international defender Gabriel Tamas. 

The Parkhead club have expressed an interest in the $4million-rated Auxerre star, but president of the French club Jean-Claude Hamel last night warned Celtic  they may miss out on Tamas as there are two other offers on the table.

 

Hamel said: "I have heard of an interest from Celtic in Gabriel but there has been no official contact between the two clubs and no offer.  We have two other clubs who have made official approaches but as yet nothing from Celtic.  A deal could still be done but only if certain conditions are met.  If these aren't met then there will be no deal."

 

Meanwhile Georgios Samaras is on the verge of completing a permanent move to Celtic.  The striker joined Gordon Strachan's men on loan during the January transfer window and bagged six goals for the SPL champions.

 

Samaras's agent, Lee Anderson, said: "The deal is very close".

 

Wednesday 9th July 2008