Celtic make their move for Keane


Celtic have established contact with Roy Keane about a possible move to Parkhead, BBC Scotland understands.
The club are keen to open talks with the former Manchester United skipper, who left Old Trafford on 18 November.

Keane, a Celtic fan, could move to the Scottish Premier League for no fee as he is a free agent, although his wage demands could be a stumbling block.

The 34-year-old is also believed to be weighing up options at several other clubs in England and on the continent.

Bolton were the latest Premiership club to confirm their interest, joining West Brom, Portsmouth, Manchester City and Wigan.

However, Celtic are thought to be Keane's first choice.

The former Republic of Ireland captain once stated he would like to end his career at Parkhead, but chairman Brian Quinn has already expressed his concern about his wages.


He is believed to have earned £90,000 a week at Old Trafford.

Quinn told BBC Five Live on Sunday: "That's a sum that's out of the question for us."

We will have to wait and see on this one !

Celtic to complete move for Keane

Roy Keane will sign for Celtic - and should complete his free transfer move this week, BBC Scotland understands.
It is believed that a portion of the 34-year-old's salary will be paid directly by the Parkhead club's major shareholder Dermot Desmond.

Former Republic of Ireland captain Keane has been much in demand since leaving Manchester United in November.

Celtic have so far refused to comment on the story, but it is understood that the deal is set to go through.

Spanish giants Real Madrid were said to be the front-runners for Keane's signature but president Florentino Perez was not prepared to move until January.

Premiership duo Bolton and Everton had approached Keane, while West Brom and West Ham were among other clubs to express their interest.

Keane has said in the past that he would like to end his career at Celtic Park but chairman Brian Quinn had expressed concern about the level of the player's wages.

That issue would appear to have been resolved with the aid of Desmond's financial contribution.

Keane is not eligible to play until the winter transfer window opens, so the first match he could feature in would be the 1 January visit to Hearts.

Still think Keano is too good for Scottish football!!!

Yea, but Hartsons not ! Lol)

Very true x) x) x)

I don't think he will see out 18 months there. After playing with Hartson and co for a few months he will hang his boots up for good rather than play with them. :D

Who.... Oh you mean the Toshacks fat Jack love child!

Thats the one ! Lol)

Miller poised for Celtic transfer

Wolves and Scotland striker Kenny Miller is poised to sign for Celtic, with negotiations at an advanced stage, BBC Sport understands.


Not exactly a top striker is he ?

Better than the strikers they have, like...............................???

Former Rangers player as well!!! {omg}

He's not that bad. Played well against Italy last season. If he can do that in the CL he should be a good signing.

Oh and it was 3-1 today Vs Motherwell.

Motherwell 1-3 Celtic

McGeady made a huge impact in the second half
Aiden McGeady came off the bench to inspire a Celtic victory that stretches their SPL lead to 10 points.
Maciej Zurawski ran clear of the home side's defence to shoot Celtic in front after 17 minutes.

But Motherwell responded shortly before the interval with an outstanding volley from Jim Hamilton.

McGeady fired Celtic ahead again with the help of a deflection, set up John Hartson's stabbed finish and crashed a fierce shot against the crossbar.

The teams served up an amazing 4-4 draw on the opening day of the season and there were thrills aplenty at Fir Park again.

There was a Celtic recall for Mo Camara, in an unfamiliar defence that included Stanislav Varga and Adam Virgo, and the left-back was involved immediately - clearing a Richie Foran header off the goal-line.

Strachan delighted with win

The Irish midfielder connected with a Steven Hammell corner but Camara was on the post and diverted the ball wide.

Celtic came close in the ninth minute when Shunsuke Nakamura's free-kick flicked off the head of defender Martyn Corrigan and looped onto the crossbar.

Space in midfield was congested, with Motherwell working hard to close down their opponents.

But Celtic made the breakthrough on 17 minutes when Stilian Petrov played through Zurawski and the Pole held off the challenge of William Kinniburgh to fire the ball into the corner of the net, despite 'keeper Graeme Smith getting a touch.

Shaun Maloney was inches away from extending the lead when his smart free-kick curled wide.

Scott McDonald, who scored twice in the final minutes of last season to deny Celtic the championship, was lively in attack for Motherwell.

And the Australian did well to twist past Paul Telfer and drill a low cross into the six yard box but Camara was on hand to clear again.

However, the home side were level four minutes before half-time, thanks to a sensational strike from Hamilton.


Hamilton scored a wonderful goal for Motherwell

Brian Kerr delivered a diagonal cross to the edge of the penalty box and the big striker met it on the volley and sent the ball crashing into the top corner.

Celtic responded with a Hartson header from seven yards which Smith got down well to save.

The second half began in scrappy fashion, with neither side capable of stringing a sequence of passes together.

With 65 minutes gone, Zurawski was denied by a great block by Stephen Craigan after latching onto a neat cushioned touch from Hartson.

Butcher takes heart from display

Six minutes later, Celtic were ahead and it was down to substitute McGeady and a stroke of luck.

The Irish youngster let fly with a shot from 20 yards and it took a huge deflection to bamboozle Smith and land in the net.

McDonald came close to an immediate equaliser when he threw himself at Foran cross, but his header from six yards went wide.

Celtic made the points safe when McGeady skipped past a couple of challenges to get to the bi-line and cut-back for Hartson to find the target with a low shot.

McGeady was in terrific form and fashioned a chance with more fancy footwork but his powerful shot cannoned off the crossbar.


HAIL HAIL McGeady. {rspk}

x) x)

Bulgaria's Petrov signs new deal with Celtic

x)


GLASGOW, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Bulgaria midfielder Stilian Petrov signed a new deal with Celtic on Friday that will keep him at the Scottish Premier League leaders until 2009.

"We are delighted to announce Stilian has signed an extension to his contract that will keep him here to May 2009," Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell told a news conference.

Petrov had been the subject of transfer speculation after contract talks stalled.

"Celtic has an option to keep him here to 2010 and we are absolutely delighted. He is a major player and he will be a major player in the future of Celtic," Lawwell said.

Petrov told reporters: "I said before that it was important for me, this deal, so I knew it was going to take time.

"I am happy now we agreed the deal."

Asked about a possible move to the English Premier League, Petrov replied: "I said before, my first option would be to speak to Celtic first and if they offered me the deal I was looking for then I would be happy."

Manager Gordon Strachan added: "I said all along that we wanted Stilian to sign a long term contract because he sets a standard that I will be trying to get other people up to...in terms of ability, fitness, professionalism, intelligence to learn - all these kind of things."

Celtic face Dundee United on Saturday with a 10-point lead over second-placed Hearts. Champions Rangers, who trail by 17 points in fourth place, play at Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Sunday.



Excellent news. :D :D :D

Now celtic could have a midfield problem. If they want to play Lennon and Keane then they will have to leave out petrov. If they want to play keane and petrov they can't leave out the captain, lennon and I doubt they would leave keane out

Keane is out anyway, so we're ok for now.

Although I woud put Lennon before Keane.

Even taking Lennon and heane into consideration, I think Prtrov is esential to the team


x)

Aren't they playing Keane in defence??

Hope not.

Well I shoul mention the 2-1 win tonight.

Thank God for Maloney.

2 mins from time x)

[toot]

And that would be a 1-0 win over Rangers. {yahoo} [wh] {D_man}