Thread: Siaka Tiene

Celtic track Ivory Coast left-back Tiene

The Valenciennes player has been subject to an initial enquiry from Celtic regarding his availability, as Neil Lennon looks to strengthen his left side.
http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottis...ft-back-tiene/

Valenciennes’ left-sided player Siaka Tiene is subject to interest from Celtic. STV Sport understands contact was recently made regarding the availability of the Ivory Coast international, with the SPL club on the lookout for another left-back.

Tiene started the Ivory Coast’s first two games at the 2010 World Cup at left-back, coming up against Portugal and Brazil as the African side failed to qualify from a tough group. Also able to play further forward on the left flank or inside as a holding midfielder, the 28-year-old has 52 international caps.

Heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain throughout the past month, Tiene is believed to be available for a fee in the region of £2 million. Valenciennes sporting director Henri Zambelli told France Football on Tuesday no firm offer had been made for Tiene from any club at present but sources close to the player say the Glasgow side are aware of his availability.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon has already identified the left-back position as one of the areas he was keen to strengthen this summer, with Charlie Mulgrew the only member of the first team squad available to fulfil the role.

Youngster Milan Misun was used at left-back in some of the Hoops’ summer games in North America but the Czech defender is seen as a more viable proposition in a central position. Le Mans left-back Ibrahima Camara was on trial with the team before they left for their tour but has had no further contact over a possible move.

Tiene, or Chico as he is nicknamed, joined Valenciennes in 2008 after a spell with Saint-Etienne, during which he struggled to make an initial impact. Following a loan spell with Reims, he returned to play 19 times in 2007/08 for his parent club before transferring to Les Anthenienes for one million euros.

He has formed a successful partnership on Valenciennes’ left side with Cameroon’s Gaetan Bong, frequently switching positions with the player and taking it in turns to attack the right hand side of opposition defences.

Tiene started his career in his home country with ASEC Mimosas, followed by a two-year spell with South African side Mamelodi Sundowns. He moved to France in 2005, by which time he had already made 15 appearances for his country.

Good to see Lenny is still looking to strengthen the LB position. Don't know much about the guy mind you.

After Mulgrew's pathetic attempt at playing football last night I'll take anyone at LB

Well he was Ivory Coast's LB for there first two group matches against Brazil and Portugal before getting replaced by Arthur Boka (Injury? Suspension? Performance related?) for the last game against North Korea so he can't be too bad.

Never heard of him but surely can't be any worse!

We need two options for LB. This could be one of them and possibly Misun if we get another CB.