Basturk set for Celtic talks

The 25-year-old is out of contract at Bayer Leverkusen and is set to leave after three years at The BayArena.

The classy playmaker is being chased by a host of clubs from across Europe including Hertha Berlin and Werder Bremen from Die Bundesliga, Turkish outfits Besiktas and Fenerbahce, and English giants Newcastle.

However, Celtic - who are still coming to terms with losing legendary marksman Henrik Larsson - are now pushing hard to secure his signature.

Basturk is currently on tour with Turkey, but on his arrival to the Middle East - he confirmed that he would be opening talks with Celtic.

"Celtic have made a financially very good offer as well as giving me the chance to play in the Champions League," said Basturk.

"I will most probably begin talks with Celtic as soon as the national team camp is over."

Fenerbahce coach Christoph Daum confirmed his interest in bringing Basturk to his homeland.

"We've made an offer for Yildiray," said Daum.

"Now he has to make a decision, but we won't wait forever."

Daum added that he was hoping to add eight up to 10 players to his title winning side.

"We have to be ready for the Champions League games," Daum continued.

"So we have to get eight to 10 new players. The new team will have nothing to do with the old one.

"If the squad stays the same we won't have a chance in the Champions League."