Magpies silent on Bellamy reports

Newcastle and those close to Craig Bellamy were tight-lipped on reports today that the striker was on the verge of completing a permanent move to Celtic.

Speculation suggests the Glasgow giants were close to agreeing a fee with the St James’ Park club to land the Wales international, who finished the season with them on loan.

Magpies manager Graeme Souness is desperate to offload Bellamy, who has also attracted the interest of Everton and other clubs, but they are giving very little away.

A spokesman said: “I know that Craig is expected back at St James’ Park on Monday but we are not prepared to comment on any speculation at the moment.”

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan believes Bellamy wants to wear the Hoops on a regular basis but his agent Steve Horner was also refusing to shed light on the situation.

Strachan is also hoping for a quick resolution having been assured by Bellamy that Celtic Park is his preferred choice.

He said: “Craig wants to come here compared to the other offers he’s had. It depends what you want to do in life.

“Do you want to play for a club with a fantastic atmosphere and history and the chance to play in the Champions League? If you thrive on that then this is the place to be. We will just see over the weekend how things pan out.

“He is going back to Newcastle but we will try our best. The budget determines who we bring in. I have spoken to him regularly. We are discussing the best way to bring Craig here and we will keep doing that.”

Strachan has made Mo Camara and Jeremie Aliadiere his first signings for Celtic and he has also hinted that he could also bring in Southampton goalkeeper Antti Niemi – although he was reluctant to give too much away at this stage.

The Finland international and former Rangers and Hearts star worked under the Scot at St Mary’s.

But Strachan is also excpeted to cross wires with his former chairman Rupert Lowe again.

“I wouldn’t like to put any figures on it because if I have got to work with Rupert again I wouldn’t like to give anything away to him,” he concluded. “You don’t want to give your hand away in poker.”