Urawa Red Diamonds have offered Giorgos Giakoumakis a double-your-money offer in a bid to win the growing race for the want-away Celtic striker. The big-spending J-League side are looking to see off competition from Germany, Russia and Italy to land the Greece star. They are prepared to pay a fee of around £4million.
Serie A side Sampdoria have entered the equation but that deal would be a loan with an option to buy if they were to remain in the top flight. However, Celtic want a permanent transfer and are looking to bring in another striker. South Korean World Cup star Cho Gue-sung is their No.1 target and the Hoops are pushing hard to sign from Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. Any fee from Giakoumakis is likely to be pushed that way.
Reports from down south claim Celtic face competition from Rangers although Record Sport understands while the Ibrox club are aware of the player and his quality, they have made no approach. German side Mainz have also made an offer for sung but reports in Korea say that it is £500,000 below Celtic’s offer. Ferencvaros and Galatasaray have been linked as well but have yet to make bids.
