55 replies to this topic

[dundalk celt]

Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud has revealed that defender Michael Ciani would be interested in a move to Celtic.

“The lure of playing in England or for a big club in Scotland appeals to some players and if he has that opportunity we'd be willing to talk to any interested club. We wouldn't let him go for nothing but we are realistic about what he is worth,” he added.

Ciani was linked with moves to Arsenal and Tottenham two years ago, but Triaud believes the defender suffered when former boss Laurent Blanc left to manage the French national side.

He said: “He has done very well for Bordeaux over the past three years. He had a very difficult spell at the start of last year for six months but he came through it. “He suffered a loss of form and confidence but a lot of players suffered when Laurent Blanc left us.

“But he has battled back and had a very good end to the season. He has a year left on his contract but we don't have a plan that says we must sell him because of that.”

[StevenM]

Hes a good player, strong and great at winning headers does quite well from them too wether hes heading it away from his own goal or scoring in the other teams, scores a few some nice goals too though
Only problem would be, in Europe if we have a corner Mulgrew will probably be taking it and we would want Ciani in the box but that leaves us with no CB in our own half so if its a good team we're risking a goal on the counter attack.

I'll see if I can find a link to a video of him and edit this post to add it...

[jjmcg]

Let one or both of the full backs and one of the midfielders sit for the corners, depending on the opposition

[YB67]

Id take him, promising news.

[YB67]

here is a link, from insideFutbol so not overly reliable I wouldnt think but it does mention the L'equipe article.

http://www.insidefut...el-ciani/64624/

edit:

Just found the link from the actual french paper.

http://www.lequipe.f...-glasgow/294591

it mentions teams like Newcastle, Sevilla and Lille so we will no doubt have some competition if we want this guy. However if we get in quickly we might have a chance.

[Lamberto]

Insidefutbol are saying it's been reported in a French newspaper - and usually stories like this have no real substance.

But we do need a CB as K Wilson hasn't turned out how we had hoped. He should be demoted to the back-up role which Glenda and Dan filled last season.

Only problem would be, in Europe if we have a corner Mulgrew will probably be taking it and we would want Ciani in the box but that leaves us with no CB in our own half so if its a good team we're risking a goal on the counter attack.

I really don't think that's a problem, and I'm sure it was the same last season at points. We don't need CBs back to defend at corners. I reckon we only need 2 players, with someone lurking outside the opponents box.

They could be from this group: Kayal, Matthews (Lustig), Izzy, Ledley (if need be) - all fairly defensive minded players, and not great set piece threats (except Ledley)

WIth wee Forrest or Commons lurking outside the box.

[kevza]

Could be a great signing. Played consistent since about 2005.

[mcdermott]

Could solve our problems at the back

[ChrisWoods]

Be pleased if we managed that, and with European experience, yes please

[BuchananBhoy]

http://www.thescotti...gain-Bhoys.html

Hopefully we get him, not only can he possibly solve our problems at the back like mcdermott said, he's a big guy that can head a ball with some power, so great for set pieces too. Fingers crossed.

[BuchananBhoy]

Also mentioned on SkySports:

http://www1.skysport...-to-Hoops-move-

[ManBearPig]

my defence for next season will be

Matthews - Ciani - Mulgrew - Izzy

i'd be happy with that if that was the case.

[ChrisWoods]

my defence for next season will be

Matthews - Ciani - Mulgrew - Izzy

i'd be happy with that if that was the case.

Can't disagree there, defence would be good and no a credible source but Bordeaux president is effectively pushing him out the door and saying he would be interested in joining us http://www.football4...851137,00.html?

[Stevie1967]

I hope we get him, we need a top quality big CB.

[YB67]

I hope we push through for this one, for 1 million quid there cant be many better proven defenders we could get surely? I certainly struggle to think of any.

[YB67]

Hes a good player, strong and great at winning headers does quite well from them too wether hes heading it away from his own goal or scoring in the other teams, scores a few some nice goals too though
Only problem would be, in Europe if we have a corner Mulgrew will probably be taking it and we would want Ciani in the box but that leaves us with no CB in our own half so if its a good team we're risking a goal on the counter attack.

I'll see if I can find a link to a video of him and edit this post to add it...

that header he scores on 3:31 larsson-esque.

get this boy signed

[colobhoy]

Looks to be a fine CB, sign him up. Any idea why Bordeaux are pushing him out? They don't think he'll extend his contract or what?

[gavmontic]

Sounds good to me,anyone not shy of sticking the nut on the old ball will get my vote. Then all we need is a tall one up front then thats europe sorted.

[YB67]

Looks to be a fine CB, sign him up. Any idea why Bordeaux are pushing him out? They don't think he'll extend his contract or what?

he wants out apparently mate.


also, I know its from the daily record but today they are reporting that we have entered the first stage of talks:

CELTIC are in contact with Bordeaux stopper Michael Ciani over a £1million move to Parkhead.
Agent Pierre Frelot last night confirmed that Neil Lennon is interested in the 28-year-old and talks are under way.
Roma, Newcastle, Wigan and Sevilla are also keen on Ciani, who is available for transfer with just one year of his contract to go.
Advisor Frelot has revealed that Celtic have been in touch regarding the international defender’s availability and said: “We are in the first stages of contact.”
The powerful stopper was capped once by former French boss Raymond Domenech but Bordeaux are now willing to do business.
Celtic are understood to be in the race for Manchester City kid Mohammed Abu as well.
The 20-year-old midfielder is being farmed out by the English champions as they look to build his first-team experience.
Abu has just completed a short-term spell at Norwegian club Stromgodset but City now want him to take a step up the ladder to a stronger division.
However, Parkhead chiefs face competition from Anderlecht, Espanyol and Mallorca for the Ghanaian, who has already collected four caps.
Abu admitted: “I know Anderlecht have been to watch me.
“There have also been Dutch teams in the stands with Spanish and Scottish sides interested as well. I enjoyed Stromgodset but City want me to play in a stronger league to speed up my development.”
Celtic are also monitoring the situation of Norwegian midfielder Markus Henriksen, who is high on their summer shopping list.
The 19-year-old is available for £2.5m from Rosenborg but the SPL champions have yet to make a move as Lennon surveys his options.
Henriksen, however, spent most of yesterday locked in talks with Rosenborg sporting director Erik Hoftun to discuss a fresh offer for his services. So the Hoops could miss out, with Germans Hamburg also firmly in the chase.
Meanwhile, Swansea have opened the door for Stephen Dobbie to make a switch to Parkhead after chairman Huw Jenkins admitted the striker, 29, is likely to be made available for transfer.
New Swans manager Michael Laudrup wants to cut his squad size and Jenkins insists former Rangers, Hibs and St Johnstone marksman Dobbie could move on.
The Scot, who spent the end of last season on loan at Blackpool, has already admitted he is keen on a switch to Lennon’s side.
And Jenkins said: “The new manager only wants to carry 22 within the squad. We need to free up space and provide fresh challenges for last season’s regulars. For anybody who didn’t play regularly, Michael will be asking why.”
Celtic have already missed out on one transfer target after Republic of Ireland midfielder Keith Andrews, 31, yesterday joined Bolton on a three-year deal.

[Chrisy]

Newcaslte, roma and wigan also interested? Doubt we will get him then.