FC Basle midfielder Hakan Yakin is to hold talks with Celtic manager Martin O'Neill regarding a possible move to Parkhead.
Reports last week had linked Yakin with a move to Atletico Madrid, however, Celtic appear to have persuaded the player to put his move to Spain on hold and he will no be meeting club officials next week.
The player's agent Ertan Irizik said, "When the Celtic manager returns from his holiday, then we will speak with him. I can't say when the talks will take place - this has not been settled. But it is important that both myself and Hakan are present for the discussions and we are ready to come to Glasgow."
"This isn't a financial deal, it's about what will make Hakan happiest. Hakan knows this is a big move and wants to make sure that he gets a good feeling from the coach who is looking to sign him and that is why he wants to meet people directly," he added.
This news is sure to alert Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier who is a long-term admirer of Yakin, and a move for the player could go some to solving his creativity problem in midfield.
Celtic and Liverpool are also slug it out for the services of Turkish midfielder Yildiray Basturk. The Bayer Leverkusen player will leave the German side in the summer and although Leverkusen have accepted a bid from Celtic for the player, he is not believed to be keen on a move to Celtic and instead has his eye on a switch to Anfield.
In a recent interview, the midfielder said ""I will know more within two weeks. I like the game in England and Liverpool is still a possibility. They are a good club with good players."
Filed by Rob Wright
