Celtic in tussle for signing – Price being edged higher as fight grows

Sporting’s efforts to sign Fotis Ioannidis from Panathinaikos are becoming increasingly difficult, with O Jogo reporting Celtic are now adding to their woes.

For weeks, there had been confidence in the Portuguese media that Sporting were way out ahead and close to a deal to sign the Greek striker.

Now Celtic and others are being seen as serious competition, and making things ‘complicated’ for the Liga Portugal winners. Brendan Rodgers’ side are joined by Girona, Lazio, Sevilla, Ipswich Town and Lille.

This has given Panathinaikos some confidence that they can keep pushing the price higher. Sporting had wanted to pay something like €20m, which included a couple of million in bonus payments.

However, the Greek club are now pushing for more and want at least what Sporting paid Coventry City for Viktor Gyokeres last summer.

That deal cost around €25m, and O Jogo say Panathinaikos are looking for €25-30m.

That’s all getting a little carried away and would surely push Celtic, and nearly every other club in the interested list, out of the picture.