Bordeaux defender Michael Ciani would be open to a move to Celtic and would suit Scottish football, according to the club's president.
Defender would suit Scottish football, says Bordeaux chief
Bordeaux defender Michael Ciani would be open to a move to Celtic and would suit Scottish football, according to the Ligue 1 club's president Jean-Louis Triaud.
Reports in the French media claim the 28-year-old centre-back, who has a year remaining on his deal at the Stade Chaban Delmas, has held talks with the Scottish Premier League club over a potential move.
The France international, who has also been linked to Newcastle, Wigan and Primera Liga side Sevilla, would be a good fit at Parkhead, according to Triaud.
Opportunity
The president is quoted as saying in the
Daily Record: "Would Celtic want to sign Ciani? Would Ciani be interested in moving to Scotland to play for them? Why not? It's a big club and he's a very good player so it's a good match.
"Michael is made for football in England or Scotland. He has a British mentality. He's an aggressive defender who is strong and quick.
"The lure of playing in England or for a big club in Scotland appeals to some players and if he has that opportunity we'd be willing to talk to any interested club."
Triaud has hinted the Hoops could land the defender for a knockdown price, adding: "We wouldn't let him go for nothing but we are realistic about what he is worth.
"Football is no longer a world full of rich clubs. The money has gone and clubs are struggling so we can't demand what we used to for a player of his quality.
"We'd be looking for a fee - perhaps for Celtic to throw money in the collection basket like they would at the church."
Ciani, who has previously been linked with Arsenal, has played more than 100 games in three years since joining Bordeaux from Lorient.
After a difficult period last year when he struggled for form, Triaud has been impressed by his impact this season.
Difficult spell
He added: "He has done very well for Bordeaux over the past three years. He had a very difficult spell at the start of last year for six months but he came through it.
"He suffered a loss of form and confidence but a lot of players suffered when Laurent Blanc left us.
"But he has battled back and had a very good end to the season. He has a year left on his contract but we don't have a plan that says we must sell him because of that."
