Nakamura is going nowhere insists Celtic coach Strachan

Published on Saturday 29 December 2007 19:11

CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan has no intention of selling Shunsuke Nakamura following reports the midfielder is wanted by J-League giants Yokohama F Marinos.

Yokohama were yesterday reported in the Japanese press to be lining up a bid for the Japan international, who was player of the season in Scotland for 2006-7.

But Strachan is not interested in a deal.

Asked whether he would want to keep the 29-year-old beyond the end of the season, Strachan sarcastically replied: "No, I want to get rid of the one of the best players in Britain! January and December, it's propaganda time."

He would also gladly talk to Nakamura about a new contract. Nakamura's current deal expires at the end of the campaign, although there is an option in the deal for a further 12 months.

"I can speak to anybody any time they want," Strachan said. "The office is open to anybody who wants to come in. If they want to stay that's fantastic, it's a fantastic club."

Celtic are also thought to be close to signing Andreas Hinkel from Sevilla.

The 25-year-old German international defender could clinch a move when the transfer window opens on Tuesday.

Bednar promised deal

HEARTS striker Roman Bednar has been promised a permanent move to West Brom if he keeps banging in the goals.

The Czech is on loan at The Hawthorns and has netted a string of vital goals to keep former Hibs manager Tony Mowbray's Premier League promotion hopes alive.

Now Mowbray is looking at the possibility of signing Bednar on a long-term deal.

He said: "Since Roman's come in, he's done exceptionally well and grasped the opportunity.

"He works hard, always looks a threat and his goals per games ratio is very good – long may that continue.

"He needs to keep working hard, contributing and scoring goals for the team. Roman knows the better he does, the more opportunities there will be for him to consolidate his career here."

Mensing wanted back

UNWANTED Motherwell midfielder Simon Mensing could return to former club St Johnstone this week.

The former Wimbledon hardman is on loan with First Division promotion hopefuls Hamilton Accies – and was on target in yesterday's 3-1 win at Morton.

He moved to Fir Park in the summer, but Maurice Malpas' sacking at Well has cost him any chance of establishing himself with the SPL high-fliers.

New Saints boss Derek McInnes wants him to return to McDiarmid Park and the player fancies a switch back to Perth.

Dutchman very wary

BAYERN Munich ace Mark van Bommel has warned his team mates not to take beating Aberdeen for granted.

The Bundesliga giants face the Dons in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup with Bayern huge favourites to progress.

But Dutch ace van Bommel reckons he and his team-mates will still have to be wary in the first leg at Pittodrie.

He said: "I'm happy we've been spared the trip to St Petersburg. Aberdeen is an attractive draw, there'll be plenty of atmosphere at both games and I'm already looking forward to it.

"You should never underestimate a physical, battling Scottish team. Their national team had a fantastic run in Euro 2008 qualifying and put Scottish football back on the map.

"However, we should still have it in us to qualify for the next round," he added.

Lehmann close to exit

JENS Lehmann could leave Arsenal this week for a return to Borussia Dortmund, according to German newspaper reports.

The 38-year-old, who has lost his regular starting place to Manuel Almunia at the Emirates this season, fears he could also lose his place as Germany's first-choice keeper in the European championships in the summer unless he gets regular football.

He has been linked with a number of Bundesliga clubs, but Dortmund, the club he left to join Arsenal in 2003, appear to be ready to make a move, with regular keeper Roman Wiedenfeller recovering from an operation last week on a shoulder injury.

Die Welt reported yesterday that Dortmund chief executive Hans Joachim Watzke and director of football Michael Zorc chartered a flight on Thursday to meet Lehmann.

Zorc said afterwards: "We have to sign a goalkeeper and it is natural that the name Jens Lehmann should be connected with us."

Arsene Wenger has said it is up to Lehmann whether or not he chooses to stay and fight for his place at the Emirates.

Petta may retire

FORMER Celtic midfielder Bobby Petta could be forced to retire if he isn't offered a new deal in Australia.

The Dutch winger now plays for Adelaide United Down Under, but is soon out of contract. And the 33-year-old admits he is struggling to persuade the club to offer him a new deal.

Petta said: "Time is a bit against me, but I'll wait and see. While I'm not getting younger, I'm still keen to play and believe I have much to offer.

"There are only four games of the regular season left. You could say injuries at the wrong time played a big role in my career.

"If it was up to me, I'd love to stay here in Adelaide, but that decision isn't all up to me. A lot will depend on how I finish after having missed such a big part of the season."