Did you hear the one about the two Serbs, a Nigerian,a Portuguese, an English man and

[ellboy]

Did you hear the one about the two Serbs, a Nigerian, a Portuguese, an English man and a Greek?


No, it's not the start of a joke, just the latest rumblings as to the latest comings and goings from Celtic Park. Today’s paper speculation has linked a number of defenders with possible moves to Paradise, with one player's possible departure and a loan deal to be made permanent.

Serbia & Montenegro pair Dusko Tosic & Marko Basa are being reported to be lined up by Gordon Strachan as possible targets. Basa, a 25 year old Central defender, who currently plays in France for Le Mans, is looking to leave for pastures new this summer. However his club has angered the Serb by slapping a £7.5 million asking price on his head. It is thought a deal could be struck at around £4.5 million, it seems if a fee can be agreed between the two clubs, then Basra preferred option would be to join the Hoops. He is quoted as saying:

"I'd welcome the opportunity to join Celtic because they are a club with a proud history.

"They also have a manager in Gordon Strachan who has achieved great things as a player and also as the leader of Celtic."

"At the moment the situation is out of my control but I will do what I can to make this transfer happen."

Dynamo Kiev has also expressed an interest, however, Basa does not want to move to Ukraine.

A source close to Basa said: "Interest from Celtic has been registered and it is an exciting option for Marko."

"There are complications with the fee but meetings are scheduled between the parties."

Dusko Tosic, Basa´s international team mate who currently plays for Werder Bremen, is also linked with Celtic. The stocky left back who only signed for Bremen at the beginning of last season seems to be one of a number of left backs on Gordon Strachan’s radar.

Various media outlets have also attached Celestine Babayaro and Nuno Valente with moves to paradise. The much travelled Babayaro, who is currently on trial at Pompey, is thought to also be an option for Celtic’s left back slot. Nuno Valente, Portugal and Everton left back, who has had his career halted by a number of injuries, is another name in the frame. Although Valente is still highly rated by his current manager David Moyes, Celtic will supposedly make a move for Portuguese international to test Everton’s resolve.

Meanwhile, Lee Naylor is thought to be subject to a £2 million move to Sunderland. Naylor, who enjoyed a successful first season at Celtic Park, struggled to reach similar highs last season. With Roy Keane seemingly interested in securing Naylor’s signature, it would seem that Celtic would not be hard to deal with. Reports suggest Naylor is unsettled and wants to return south to be closer to his family.

Gorgeous Samaras, who had a successful loan period last season with the hoops, looks set to sign permanently. Various reports suggest a knock down fee of £2 million has been agreed with Manchester City and player terms are not expected to be an issue.