O'Neill in dark over Balde switch
Sunday, 8 July 2001 20:59Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has insisted that he knows nothing about Toulouse defender Bobo Balde's change of heart over a move to Parkhead. The 25-year-old was due to complete his move to the Scottish treble winners this week but then admitted an offer from German club Wolfsburg had interested him. "I haven't any word from his agent, nothing has changed. Hopefully I will hear from him before Christmas," said O'Neill. Balde admitted that he has been tempted by the late offer, despite verbally agreeing a five-year deal with Celtic. "I am still hesitating because I received a very interesting offer from Germany. Wolfsburg are a very ambitious," Balde told L'Equipe.
Meanwhile, midfielder Eyal Berkovic has been told by O'Neill to do his talking on the field. The Israeli international, who was on loan at Blackburn last season, had complained about the lack of transfer interest and compared the £11m Chelsea paid West Ham for Frank Lampard against his own worth. "It's time for Eyal to say less and play more. He should be taking a good look at himself," said O'Neill of the club's one-time record £5.75m signing.
"I'm not at Celtic Park to destroy a player's career, but they must show a willingness to play. If Eyal had been picked up correctly and did say that he was worth £11m, then there is only one thing I can say in response. And, that is, it is no wonder Berkovic invites ridicule from his fellow professionals," said O'Neill.
Berkovic's agent, Pinhas Zahavi remains hopeful of a permanent move to Ewood Park. "A move to Blackburn is not dead. Eyal wants a permanent move away from Celtic. He believes that there are exciting times ahead at Blackburn and wants to be part of it. Eyal really enjoys working with Graeme Souness and would relish the chance to do so again," said Zahavi.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
