CAIRO: Celtic manager Tony Mowbray denied that the Scottish giants were bidding for Egypt and Zamalek playmaker Shikabala.
FilGoal.com learnt on Thursday that the Bhoys informed Zamalek of their intent to land the 23-year-old this summer.
Mowbray revealed his admiration for the versatile midfielder, but assured that his club didn t make any tangible moves to sign him.
Shikabala is one of a dozen players that we talk about. He s an exciting footballer and we do know about him, the English tactician was quoted as saying by Evening Times.
But he is not someone we are going to buy. He s not someone we have any money to buy.
He is a player that, if they (his club) are happy for us to have a look, we ll have a look at him.
According to a source close to Shikabala, Celtic sent a fax to Zamalek on August 20th to invite the player to join the Glasgow club for a sports medical test with a view to a permanent transfer .
However, the Cairo side s officials snubbed their request.
The source, who spoke to FilGoal.com on condition of anonymity, verified his side of the story with a copy of the alleged fax, which is signed by Celtic s football development manager John Park.
We would like to invite your player Mahmoud Abd El Razek Shikabala to join Celtic Football Club, Glasgow for a sports medical test with a view to a permanent transfer from Wednesday 26 until Saturday 29 August 09, the fax reads.
Celtic FC will take care of flight costs, food accommodation and any other costs for the duration of the player s stay.
We require a confirmation letter from you giving permission for the player to join Celtic Football Club for the above dates.
Zamalek are yet to officially comment on this matter.
