ANGE POSTECOGLOU has written off signing Riley McGree and insists he is not in the market to add to the four players he has already brought in.
It looked as though the Australian playmaker, who was introduced to international football by the Celtic boss, was heading to Parkhead after his 14-month loan deal at Birmingham City expired at the turn of the year.
However, Middlesbrough hi-jacked the proposed £3million move and the 23-year-old midfielder now seems certain to agree a five-year deal at the Championship side.
BACK IN THE OLD ROUTINE…Ange Postecoglou talks forcibly to the media today.
Postecoglou admitted he is delighted with his triple swoop on Japan to land J-League stars Daezen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguche while teenage Irish striker Johnny Kenny arrived from Sligo Rovers at the weekend.
The Greek-Australian gaffer said: “Unless something extraordinary comes along or something happens within the existing squad that means we need to move, as we speak right now, there are no other offers or people I have spoken to.
“So, the TWENTY names that come out tomorrow are all LIES and fabrications. Or they’re from people at home bored and Googling names and throwing them up there, or agents trying to get a little more value for their clients.
“I can’t be any clearer than that – and what I won’t do is lie.
“There’s no-one else we’re talking to, there are no other offers, no-one else I’m showing interest in. If that changes, I’ll let you know.”
THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY…Riley McGree is on his way to the Championship.
Postecoglou, speaking to STV, added: “Riley McGree was someone we had an interest in because of my association with him and obviously I know the player very well.
“After initial discussions, he’s decided to look elsewhere, which is fine.
“But we have not spoken to one other player except for the ones we’ve brought in.”
Celtic go back into action on Monday evening at Parkhead when they host old Bhoy Shaun Maloney’s Hibs.
