Samaras in no hurry

Georgios Samaras will keep Celtic waiting until after the European Championships before deciding if his future lies at Parkhead.

The 23-year-old Greece international arrived on loan from Manchester City in January and his six goals helped Gordon Strachan’s side retain the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title.

German club Werder Bremen are also reported to be interested in the £3million-rated striker but he told the Daily Record that nothing will be confirmed until after European 2008.

He said: “First of all let me say it is my decision and no one else’s. Manchester City can’t keep me if I don’t want to stay.

“What happens now? Well, at this stage I can’t stay. I just want to concentrate on Euro 2008. Now is not the time to be making decisions on my future.

“Manchester City and Celtic will have to wait until the time is right. My focus has to be on these finals. I have said that my first choice is Celtic and that is still the way I feel.

“I don’t know anything about Bremen and at this stage I don’t want to know. If Celtic want me and they can agree something with City then it should be very easy – but we’ll wait and see.”

Meanwhile, Monaco midfielder Jerko Leko is open to the prospect of moving to Parkhead.

The 28-year-old Croatia international is understood to be wanted by the Glasgow club and agent Damir Jozic told the Scottish Daily Mail:

“Jerko has always had a wish to play in England or Scotland. He likes the British style of football. I know Celtic are looking for a number six-type player – an aggressive midfielder – but we will have to wait and see what happens between the clubs.”