Hakan Yakin ready to speak to Celtic

Swiss international Hakan Yakin has confirmed he is ready to talk to Celtic manager Martin O’Neill.

But the FC Basle midfielder, who has emerged as a target for O’Neill, wants to meet the Parkhead boss in person according to his agent, Ertan Irizik.

Irizik told the Scottish Daily Star: “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.”

Hakan Yakin scored in an impressive display against Ireland in the European Championship qualifier at Lansdowne Road and was a star of Basle's Champions League campaign.

Meanwhile the Hoops look set to miss out on Yildiray Basturk of Bayer Leverkusen after the Bundesliga club accepted an offer for the Turk.

Leverkusen managing director Reiner Calmund said: “I can confirm that we have accepted an offer from Celtic and now the decision is in the hands of the player.”

However, the 24-year-old has reportedly rejected the opportunity to play in Scotland.

Celtic have also been linked with a move for Derby playmaker Georgi Kinkladze.