Celtic face extended Zurawski wait

Celtic must wait a further two days to find out if Poland striker Maciej Zurawski is to move to Parkhead.

The 28-year-old held talks with Hoops boss Gordon Strachan last week and promised he would give them an answer by today.

But now that deadline has been shifted to Thursday, with Turkish outfit Trabzonspor still keen to hijack the deal.

Janusz Basalaj, president of selling club Wisla Krakow, said: “He is still waiting to make a decision and will do that on June 30.

“I spoke to him yesterday and he said to me: ‘Boss, I am thinking, I am thinking.’

“It is his decision but I hope he chooses Celtic.”

Meanwhile, Jeremie Aliadiere has revealed the prospect of Champions League football prompted him to choose Celtic over rival clubs.

The 22-year-old Arsenal striker is set to link up with the Hoops on a year-long deal to provide him with first-team action.

Now the Gunners forward admits he would even relish the chance to play against Arsene Wenger’s team.

Aliadiere said: “The Champions League was a big factor in choosing Celtic.

“Everybody knows the Champions League is the competition everybody wants to play in and it would be good if I could help Celtic make an impact in the competition.

“It would also be great if we ended up playing Arsenal. That would be something special.

“If that was the case, then I’m hoping Arsene Wenger would let me play for Celtic.”

Strachan is also looking for an experienced goalkeeper following the departure of Scotland international Robert Douglas to Leicester.

Southampton boss Harry Redknapp has warned him he faces a fight to land Finland international Antti Niemi, although Norway defender Claus Lundekvam would be allowed to leave St Mary’s without a struggle

Redknapp said: “I reckon you’re talking at least £2.5m (€3.8m) for Antti but, to be honest, I’m not even thinking about selling him.

“I don’t want Antti to leave because I rate him one of the top four keepers in Britain.

“Gordon hasn’t spoken to me, although maybe he has talked to (chairman) Rupert Lowe.

“Claus Lundekvam is a smashing lad who is a very experienced defender and has been a decent servant for us.

“If Gordon wants to make an offer, then all he has to do is pick up the phone and I’m sure we can do a deal.”