Basturk not bound for Celtic, says agent

Yildiray Basturk’s agent today ruled out a move to Celtic after claiming the Glasgow club were unable to meet his wage demands.

The Turkish international is leaving Bayer Leverkusen on a Bosman free and has attracted interest from Britain and other Bundesliga clubs including Werder Bremen and Hertha Berlin.

But while his agent Reza Fazelli revealed today that he had spoken with Celtic representatives he indicated the player would be staying in Germany.

He said: “This is too much money for Celtic and he will not be going to Scotland.

“Like Scottish teams, Turkish teams can’t afford to pay the wages of teams in Germany, Italy, Spain and England.

“The top players in Germany, Italy and England are earning too much for clubs here in Turkey to afford.

“I have spoken to people at Celtic but they cannot compete with those teams in Germany and I think he will stay there.

“There are a number of clubs interested in the player but I can say he will not be going to Glasgow.

“He is a top quality player and has enjoyed his time in Germany. We will look at all the options and then decide.”

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder is one of a number of players linked with a summer move to Parkhead, including Tottenham’s Robbie Keane.

Premiership new boys Norwich have shown an interest in signing Celtic’s Danish defender Ulrik Laursen.