Celtic Chase Two Loan Stars

Celtic are reportedly leading the chase to sign winger Jeffren Suarez from Barcelona on loan. Also interested in landing the 21 year old Spanish star are Arsenal, Everton and Wigan.

A Barcelona spokesman stated yesterday: "The only decision to be made is the club best suited for Jeffren’s development. We need a very professional team that will give him time on the field in competitive games so that we don’t stop his evolution. Celtic are among several clubs who have made their interest known to us." In the Glasgow clubs favour is the fact that Marc Crosas who joined Celtic from the Catalan giants rates Suarez extremely highly and has spoken very encouragingly to him about joining Celtic. In October Suarez stated that he: "Has the chances to play for Celtic and it would be an excellent destination."

Suarez started his career with Tenerife in 2003 before moving to Barca in 2004. During season 2007-08 he played for Barca B and scored five goals in 30 appearances.  He played in all Barcelona’s pre season 2008-09 and scored twice in seven games. He made his La liga debut in a 2-1 defeat to Mallorca on 17 May 2009. His international career to date: Part of the Spanish U/19 squad that won the 2006 UEFA European U/19 Football Championship and scored three goals in eight games. He is Venezuelan born therefore is eligible to play for that country and in fact was called by the Venezuelan coach for the Copa America 2007 but declined as he couldn’t decide whether to play for Venezuela or Spain.

Also in Celtic’s sights is Spurs’ out of favour striker Robbie Keane. Celtic would like to take him on loan with a view to a permanent deal, but Keane’s wages could pose a problem as Spurs would prefer Celtic to pay the majority of his salary whilst on loan. However Celtic are sound financially and could probably push the boat (or biscuit tin) out with their financial backing to cover this and also the reported £7m transfer fee.