Serbian ace Basa snubs Celtic move while Tamas is still a possibility

The Serbian centre-half was identified by the Parkhead club as their first alternative to Romanian international Gabriel Tamas after talks with the Auxerre star stalled.

In an interview with the French Eurosport website, however, Le Mans president Henri Legarda claims that Basa rejected a move to Glasgow after the clubs agreed a fee.

Not keen on Hoops move: Marko Basa of Serbia

That is despite the highly-rated 25-year-old initially claiming he would 'welcome' a switch to the SPL champions.

'For Marko Basa, several clubs made us proposals,' said Legarda. 'Now we are awaiting the decision of the player.

'Depending on his decision and on the offers we receive, we will grant our accord to his exit.

'For eight weeks there have been discussions with several clubs and I think we will reach a solution eventually.

'It was nearly finalised with a club (Celtic). In the end it was not, but that was not the fault of Le Mans. The player himself did not want to go there.' 

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has scoured Europe for a commanding centre-half to provide competition to captain Stephen McManus and Gary Caldwell.

Hamburg now look favourites to secure Basa's services, despite competition from Paris St Germain, Fiorentina and Spartak Moscow.

Sportsmail understands that Tamas has not yet been ruled out entirely.

After rejecting a £14,000-a-week offer, however, the 24-year-old has slipped down the list of four potential defenders identified by Strachan, with the outgoing Bobo Balde linked last night with Ipswich Town.

Celtic are also eyeing a loan deal for Barcelona star Marc Crosas, with the 20-year-old's agent, Ramon Arasa, claiming that negotiations have begun. Sevilla are also believed to be keen on the player.