Source: Daily_Mail
Good Evans Samaras urges Celtic to take a punt on City kid Ched
Manchester City striker Ched Evans is a target for Celtic
Georgious Samaras has urged his Celtic paymasters to capture£1.2million rated Ched Evans — because the Manchester City striker’s value is certain to soar.
The Greek forward worked alongside Evans during his time at City and believes the 20-year-old Welshman has the potential to develop into a player worth far more than his current asking price.
Celtic coach Neil Lennon this week confirmed the club’s interest in Evans and Samaras believes he is well matched to the Parkhead policy of signing up young talent in the hope of striking gold in the future.
‘Could Ched be worth a lot of money in a few years? Of course,’said Samaras, who also cost Celtic£1.2m when his loan became a permanent move last July.
‘He’s a talent. Could Celtic make money on him? For sure.
'If he is going to develop and improve and play games and work on his talent then, yes, he could make the club money.
‘I know him from my time at Manchester City, but I haven’t spoken to him about a move.
'What happens with a deal is up to him and the two clubs.’
Samaras certainly harbours no regrets about abandoning the world’s richest club to move to Celtic and feels Evans, who is also interesting Sheffield United, would reap similar benefits from following in his footsteps.
‘He is a young player and must find a club which trusts him and gives him the chance to play football,’ said Samaras.
‘He has played some games for Manchester City, but he needs to play every week and it’s important to find a club which supports him.
‘I feel trusted here, of course I do.
'I think it’s the best club to be at when you are young and want to play games.
'You get support from the manager and the club and are free to play.’
Gordon Strachan declined to comment on his interest in Evans but dismissed suggestions the Peterborough trio of Craig Mackail-Smith, George Boyd and Aaron McLean figured on his wanted list.
Celtic striker says Georgios Samaras will be a good investment for the Bhoys
Chelsea youngster Morten Nielsen’s father met Celtic on Friday for talks over a possible move, but some Parkhead fans are anxious to see signings ready for the first team to boost their bid for four successive SPL titles.
‘I can’t change the club’s policy,’ said Strachan, in reference to the focus on young players.
‘I’m here to try to implement the club’s policy and win things too.
'That’s part of the deal.
‘Is the policy almost imposed? Well, I would say so, yeah.
'But it’s just part of what is happening in the world at the moment.
‘In my three years here, I’ve bought people in January who have been significant to winning titles.
'Hopefully,we can do the same again.
‘But the group here have shown that — whether in the lead or behind on points— they have the character to win the league.’
Trialist Sacha Kljestan has returned to the U.S. to play for his country against Sweden, with Strachan now pondering whether to press ahead with a£2.1m move for the Chivas U.S.A midfielder.
‘I’ve spoken to Sacha a couple of times this week,’said Strachan.
‘We’ll sit down with the coaches and Peter Lawwell and decide what we are going to do.’
Artur Boruc has returned to training after his groin injury and is expected to be in goal to face Hibernian on Saturday.
