Balde heads back to Celtic

Bobo Balde is on his way back to Celtic after turning down a move to Marseille, according to his adviser Mick Oliver.

The 29-year-old defender flew to France on Sunday and was expected to end his stay with the Glasgow giants.

Balde has a clause in his contract that will allow him to speak to other clubs and walk away for nothing but despite this his adviser claims he is still committed to Celtic.

Oliver told the Daily Record: “It isn’t Bobo’s fault if Marseille’s website jumped the gun and claimed he had as good as signed for them. Marseille never gave up where he is concerned.

“They have pursued him for the last six weeks but he has turned down their latest offer and is focused on Celtc 100%.

“Bobo has so far turned away Schalke, Werder Bremen, Birmingham and Newcastle to name but a few. What does that say about his loyalty to Celtic?”

Oliver added: “The next three weeks will be tough on Bobo because he always has to convince people this has nothing to do with money.

“If he had signed for Marseille it would have involved a significant drop in wages so there is more than money to think about.”