Giakoumakis ‘real danger to Rangers’ amid Sky journalist’s Celtic talks update – pundit
Alan Hutton has tipped Celtic to beat Werder Bremen to the signing of Georgios Giakoumakis from VVV Venlo before the transfer deadline.
The former Scotland star, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the 26-year-old’s “incredible” record in the Eredivisie could make him a “real danger for Rangers”.
As reported by Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph (23rd August), talks between Celtic and Giakoumakis are progressing well amid rival interest from Werder Bremen.
However, it is said the German outfit are struggling to finance a deal for the hitman.
As such, they are reportedly considering other options which could leave Celtic in the clear to strike a deal.
Hutton suggested Europa League qualification could be the deciding factor in the battle for Giakoumakis’ signing.
Asked if he thought Celtic would win the race, Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “You would think so.
“You know how big a club Celtic are. I think they’ll go through into the Europa League group stages.
“You’d think that would be good enough to attract these sorts of players.
“Those numbers are incredible. If he can come over to Scotland, and hit the ground running like that and score goals, with the forward line Celtic have at the moment, it’ll be a real danger to Rangers.
“It’s a move that I think all Celtic fans will be hoping happens. If you think of the Edouard situation, is he hitting top form at the moment? Not really.
“Yes, he’s still scoring but there’s always that chance that he could leave. I think they have a plan in place to bring somebody in. This seems to be it.”
Giakoumakis netted 26 goals in 30 Eredivisie games last season despite Venlo being relegated.
In other news, Frank McAvennie stunned by what Rangers have done to Celtic.