Naka Helps The Japanese On The Road To The World Cup

By Tony Quinn

Earlier this week Japan took another step along the road to the World Cup South Africa in 2010 by defeating Oman 3-0 in Yokohama, Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura scoring one goal and helping to create another. Among the transfer rumors circulating are: Leeds United are set to make a £500,000 offer for Bhoys' striker Derek Riordan although the SPL champions will want more than despite the player being way down the pecking order and apparently Porto have joined Osasuna in monitoring Evander Sno.

Artur Boruc has reiterated his desire to join a top club, while Massimo Donati could also quit Parkhead for Sampdoria. The duo could both leave the SPL champions this summer but Boruc has received no offers to move as yet, and Donati insists he would have to think long and hard about leaving the club. Boruc, who is preparing for Poland's Euro 2008 campaign, recently signed an extended contract at Parkhead, but that failed to stop him being linked with AC Milan. He said: "According to the press, I've already signed for AC Milan, Manchester United and Chelsea - but I'm still in Glasgow. I'm still a Celtic player and know nothing about any offers. However, as I've said in the past, should an offer arrive from one of the top clubs, I could try it."

Former Milan midfielder Donati has been linked with a move to Sampdoria after playing a peripheral role in Celtic's successful title run-in. "A return to Sampdoria may appeal," he said. "They have been doing well in the last year. But I must say the people in Glasgow have been good to me. Certainly, I will return to Italy sooner or later but I must see if it is best to do it quickly or wait."

Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng has denied reports he is expecting Celtic and Rangers to come in for him this summer. The Dutchman was quoted as saying that he was expecting to leave The Riverside this summer - and was reported to have said he was expecting the rivals to make approaches for him. But the former Aston Villa midfielder, who is currently in Holland, insists he has not discussed his future. "I've never spoken to anyone in Scotland," Boateng said. "I have never spoken to anyone about Celtic and Rangers. I don't know where they (the quotes) have come from."

Celtic have joined the race to sign Zoltan Gera as the Hungary captain continues to stall on West Bromich Albion's contract offer. The Bhoys have joined the Baggies, Wigan and Bolton in the battle to sign Gera, who also has an offer on the table from Benfica. The 29-year-old was due back in England on Monday last after a week on international duty in his homeland. Albion remain among the clubs the out-of-contract Gera is considering but competition for his services is growing fierce, with news of Celtic's interest a blow to the Baggies' hopes. Celtic can offer Gera Champions League football, at a time when he is keen to display his talents on the grandest stage.

Aston Villa midfielder Shaun Maloney will not be making a return to Glasgow, according to the player's agent John Halliwell. Maloney was thought to be close to bringing to an end a frustrating 18 months at Villa Park after struggling for first-team opportunities since moving from Celtic in January 2007. Celtic and Rangers were understood to be weighing up moves for Maloney, but the 25-year-old's agent insists the Scotland international is going nowhere. Maloney, who has also been linked a switch to Sunderland, has struggled to settle at Villa and it has been reported he has suffered from homesickness and that manager Martin O'Neill has become frustrated, but Halliwell is adamant this is not the case. Martin O'Neill does rate him highly," Halliwell said. "The sooner Shaun settled down the better it was for all concerned and he is focused on winning his place back next season, which I am sure he will. He still has three years to go and there will be no problems whatsoever with Shaun and Villa. At this moment in time it is status quo, nothing has changed. When I tell you it is the truth, I promise it is the truth. It is that time of year when Shaun is linked with clubs and this is going to happen every transfer window. Other people keep telling me what is going on but I can tell you he isn't going anywhere. We have no contact from anyone in Scotland".