Werder Bremen could offer a “superior financial package” in their attempt to beat Celtic to the signature of VVV Venlo striker Georgios Giakoumakis, according to the Scottish Sun.

Contrary to other reports, the newspaper claim that the Hoops haven’t agreed a fee for the Greek international. There had been stories suggesting that an agreement to sign the forward for £2.1m was in place but that is not thought to be the case.

One piece of good news, though, is that Werder Bremen haven’t had a bid accepted for Giakoumakis either, although the German club are said to be confident they can offer better personal terms than Celtic.

A wage of £11,500 a week may well be required to secure Giakoumakis’s services, which is within Celtic’s budget, as they have already given Joe Hart a £15,000 a week salary.

After scoring 29 goals last season, Giakoumakis has been identified by the Hoops as their number one target to replace Odsonne Edouard. The Frenchman has still not found a new club, despite his contract running down, but with continued interest from Premier League teams, including Arsenal, West Ham, Brighton and Crystal Palace, a deal could still be finalised before deadline day.