Celtic interested in Yakin

Celtic have expressed interest in Basle playmaker Hakan Yakin.

The 25-year-old was part of the Swiss side which denied the Parkhead club a place in the lucrative Champions League group stages in August.

But his performances in those games and then against Liverpool and Manchester United have persuaded Hoops manager Martin O’Neill to make enquiries.

Yakin is rated at £3m (€4.6m), although a clause in his contract would allow him to leave Basle for half that price in the summer.

Former Celtic star Tosh McKinlay, who is working as a consultant for Yakin, insists the player will be on the move before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

McKinlay said: “Celtic are interested in Yakin but there has been no official move for him.

“I’ve been talking to the general manager at Basle and there are a couple of clubs sniffing around but no concrete bids as yet.

“I’m working with Yakin’s brother and agent, Ertan, on this and I’m pretty sure he won’t be at Basle at the end of this month.

“There were a couple of Premiership clubs interested but it was only tentative.

“There has been nothing concrete from anyone yet.”