CELTIC are on the verge of completing the signing of Georgios Samaras from Manchester City, and he could be back at Parkhead within the next couple of days.

CELTIC are on the verge of completing the signing of Georgios Samaras from Manchester City, and he could be back at Parkhead within the next couple of days.

The Greek striker's agent, Lee Anderson confirmed today: "It's very close."

Samaras scored six goals during his five-month loan spell with the SPL champions last season.

But, though part of that deal gave Celtic first option on a permanent transfer, the £3million asking price and the 23-year-old's wage demands were a stumbling block.

Samaras has also attracted interest from other clubs, including Fenerbahce, Werder Bremen, Feyenoord, Lazio and Hull.

But he has always insisted his first choice would be to rejoin Celtic where, after a difficult 18 months at Manchester City following his £6m move from Heerenveen, he appreciated the support of manager Gordon Strachan and the fans.

Samaras would be the first big signing of the summer for Celtic, with the £100,000 capture of Paddy McCourt from Derry City the only business concluded so far.

But they are closing in on other targets, including Auxerre's 24-year-old centre-back Gabriel Tamas.

Celtic are weighing up making an offer for the £3.75m-rated Romanian, with reports in France today claiming they have already tabled such a bid.

The player made it clear that, despite having three years left on his contract with Auxerre, he would jump at the chance to join Celtic.

Tamas said: "I'd like to go to Celtic and it's better than 50% chance that I will if the offer is made."

Tamas has attracted a lot of interest since performing well at Euro 2008 and agent Cristian Morosan said: "Celtic are not the only club who want him. He has options in England, Spain and Romania. But a move to Celtic holds strong appeal to Gabriel.

"He wants to leave Auxerre this summer. But because he has three years left of the four-year deal he signed, we must wait until that is worked out. We'll have to see if Celtic reach agreement with Auxerre."

If the package proves too to be too rich, Celtic have other options, including Spartak Moscow's Martin Stranzl.

But the Russian club are battling hard to retain the 28-year-old Austrian defender, who is out of contract in December, and have offered him a new, three-year deal. Spartak value Stranzl at £4m and his agent, Thomas Boehm, said: "I've spoken to Peter Lawwell about Martin and we're now waiting for Celtic to come back to us. Spartak want a quick reply."

Celtic also face increased competition for Roma left back Vitorino Antunes, with Seville and two other La Liga clubs for the 21-year-old Portuguese defender.

Derek Riordan's hopes of a move to Zenit were quashed when manager Dick Advocaat confirmed he will not bid for him.