Rumour Mill: Samaras to Sampdoria | Hearts | Hibs

Georgios Samaras on Sampdoria’s radar as KR Reykjavik striker eyes Euro shock; Hearts sees off East Fife as Prince Buaben set to sign one-year deal and Hibs put four past Berwick as new goalkeeper coach arrives

Georgios Samaras: Sampdoria-bound? Picture: Robert Perry

Sampdoria eye move for Samaras

ITALIAN side Sampdoria are the latest top club to be linked with out-of-contract Celtic forward Georgios Samaras.

The Serie A side have joined Everton, Sevilla, Besiktas and Hamburg in the chase for the Greek striker amid rumours Genoa had started negotiations.

Celtic boss Ronny Deila said the 29-year-old, who impressed at the World Cup, could yet stay at Celtic but the forward looks set to seal a move to Italy. (Daily Record)

Celtic weaker without Lennon

KR Reykjavik striker Gary Martin reckons Celtic are weaker without Neil Lennon at the helm.

And the English forward says Scott Brown’s injury and Samaras’ impending departure will all boost the Icelandic outfit, who are hopeful of pulling off a shock in the European clash.

Martin said: “If Lennon was still in charge Celtic would be even bigger favourites. It has maybe taken an edge off Celtic. They’re probably seven per cent weaker than last year. With Lennon gone, Brown injured, Efe Ambrose out and no Samaras, all of that has given us some hope.” (Daily Record)

Hearts close to Buaben deal

HEARTS are set to finalise a deal for Ghanaian midfielder Prince Buaben, after the 26-year-old scored in the Jambos’ 3-0 friendly win over East Fife yesterday.

Buaben, who spent part of last season with Partick Thistle, has enjoyed outings against Dinamo Bucharesti and Hamilton, and opened the scoring in Methil on Saturday.

And Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson revealed he is set to reunite Buaben with his central midfield partner at Dundee United Morgaro Gomis, adding: “We’re speaking to his agent and he has a year on the table just now. Hopefully we can get something done by Monday or Tuesday.” (The Scotsman)

Alan Combe set to join Hibs

FORMER Hearts goalkeeping coach Alan Combe is set to join Hibs after taking his place in the dugout for the 4-0 win over Berwick Rangers at Shielfield Park yesterday.

Combe was released by Hearts following Ann Budge’s takeover, and put young Hibs goalies Kleton Perntreou and Sean Brennan through their paces during the pre-match warm-up.

And Hibs boss Alan Stubbs could even register Combe as a player, with Hibs currently lacking a senior goalkeeper.

Ex-Everton coach Andy Holden could also arrive at Hibs, and watched the dominant display in Berwick yesterday from the dugout. (The Scotsman)

News in brief

• Dundee United are trialling left-back Jiri Lenko. The Czech defender played in United’s 4-0 victory over Bohemian, and could clinch a move from SC Weiner Neustadt

• Ex-Motherwell striker Ross McCormack made his Fulham debut as the Cottagers defeated the Steelmen 2-0 in ‘Well’s final game before their Europa League qualifier against Stjarnan