Celtic have knocked back a loan offer from AEK Athens for goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas.
That’s according to reliable Greek reporter Giannis Chorianopoulos, who shared the news on Friday evening.
Barkas not interested in a return to Greece
Chorianopoulos claimed that AEK Athens, who sold Barkas to the Hoops for £4.5m last summer, contacted Celtic over a possible loan move.
Barkas isn’t keen on a return to his native country and, as a result, Celtic didn’t consider a temporary move away.
The 26-year-old, who is on £9k-per-week, has made 20 appearances in all competitions this season, keeping nine clean sheets. He’s under contract until 2024.
Transfer Tavern take
It seems as if Celtic have made a transfer U-turn regarding Barkas.
Reports from Chorianopoulos back in February suggested that the shot-stopper was ‘running out of time’ at Celtic and a loan move in the summer window was ‘possible’.
However, with Barkas looking likely to stay in Glasgow, he’ll be looking to establish himself as a regular between now and the end of the season ahead of Scott Bain and Conor Hazard.
Perhaps Eddie Howe, who looks set to become Neil Lennon’s long-term successor, likes what he sees in Barkas? Only time will tell.
In other news: £5.8k p/w Celtic ace close to Parkhead exit after Lennoxtown footage emerged, find out more here.