Georgios Samaras, Joe Ledley deny Celtic exit talk

Joe Ledley, left, and Georgios Samaras have not told Celtic they want to leave, according to reports. Picture: SNS

The duo, who are out of contract in the summer, have both been linked with moves away from Glasgow, with Ledley on Cardiff City’s radar and Samaras wanted by MLS outfit Toronto and Hull City.

However, the Daily Express are reporting that neither player have indicated their intention to leave and that talks are ongoing over contract extensions.

Reports from Greece suggested that 28-year-old striker Samaras, signed from Manchester City in 2008, had been asked to take a pay cut in order to stay at the Scottish champions.

Samaras has stated he wants to remain at Parkhead, and the fact ambitious Canadian outfit Toronto have already signed Gilberto Oliveira Souza - one of three targets including Samaras and Tottenham striker Jermaine Defoe - could increase the chances of the Greek striker staying in Scotland.

Despite rumours that Celtic were keen to sell the pair in January to recoup some money, manager Neil Lennon is thought to be anxious to hold on to the pair, who have become key components in his squad following the departures of Gary Hooper, Kelvin Wilson and Victor Wanyama.

Samaras has netted 44 goals in 145 appearances for Celtic, while Ledley has scored 18 goals in 98 games.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell revealed in September that the club had opened talks with Welsh international Ledley, who has made 46 appearances for his country, but the midfielder - one of the club’s highest earners - hinted during the summer that he could form a decision on his future based on which players left the club, and could enter into pre-contract negotiations in January.