Hungry Celtic chase Berger Aug 21 2002
LIVERPOOL'S forgotten midfielder Patrik Berger could be set for a surprise £2.5million move to Celtic.
The Scottish champions have emerged as front-runners for the Czech international's signature and are likely to get their man if they meet Liverpool's asking price before the transfer deadline.
Berger was ready to extend his stay at Anfield despite the disappointment of only being offered a one-year extension to his current deal, which now has just 12 months to run.
The 28-year-old has verbally agreed to Liverpool's offer, but has not put pen to paper in the hope of attracting other interest before the August 31 cut-off point.
And if Martin O'Neill follows up his initial enquiry with a bid that matches Liverpool's valuation Berger is expected to revive his career north of the border.
Any Celtic move, however, is likely to rest on their qualifying for the Champions League group stages at FC Basle's expense next week. They currently lead 3-1 from the first leg.
Reds boss Gerard Houllier is a firm admirer of the former Borussia Dortmund star but injury restricted him to 21 league appearances last season and the arrival of Bruno Cheyrou will limit his chances even more this year.
The midfielder, who scored in the reserves' defeat of Bolton on Monday, was omitted from both the Community Shield squad and Sunday's Premiership opener at Aston Villa.
Berger's Czech compatriot Vladimir Smicer, meanwhile, has not given up hope of forcing his way into Houllier's starting plans.
LIVERPOOL'S forgotten midfielder Patrik Berger could be set for a surprise £2.5million move to Celtic.
The Scottish champions have emerged as front-runners for the Czech international's signature and are likely to get their man if they meet Liverpool's asking price before the transfer deadline.
Berger was ready to extend his stay at Anfield despite the disappointment of only being offered a one-year extension to his current deal, which now has just 12 months to run.
The 28-year-old has verbally agreed to Liverpool's offer, but has not put pen to paper in the hope of attracting other interest before the August 31 cut-off point.
And if Martin O'Neill follows up his initial enquiry with a bid that matches Liverpool's valuation Berger is expected to revive his career north of the border.
Any Celtic move, however, is likely to rest on their qualifying for the Champions League group stages at FC Basle's expense next week. They currently lead 3-1 from the first leg.
Reds boss Gerard Houllier is a firm admirer of the former Borussia Dortmund star but injury restricted him to 21 league appearances last season and the arrival of Bruno Cheyrou will limit his chances even more this year.
The midfielder, who scored in the reserves' defeat of Bolton on Monday, was omitted from both the Community Shield squad and Sunday's Premiership opener at Aston Villa.
Berger's Czech compatriot Vladimir Smicer, meanwhile, has not given up hope of forcing his way into Houllier's starting plans.
