Celtic and Rangers have been handed a second chance to sign Adrian Grbic with Brest sporting director Gregory Lorenzi admitting to RMC Sport that a proposed move to the Ligue 1 outfit has collapsed.
After weeks of speculation, a prolific forward nicknamed the ‘new Juninho’ due to his remarkable set-piece prowess looked all-but certain to make a £7 million move to the Stade Francis Le Ble.
TEAMtalk had reported in April that Celtic, Rangers, Crystal Palace and Brighton were all keen on Grbic but, after missing out on promotion with second-tier Clermont, he looked set to stay in France instead.
That was, however, until Brest were left stunned by a sudden U-turn from the Austria U21 international.
“The player gave us his word, his agents too, and that was not respected,” Lorenzi fumes, confirming that Grbic will not be jumping onto The Pirates’ ship after all.
“On Saturday, the player called us to say that he was coming to Brest, he called the coach as well and even asked if the number 7 or number 9 were available. He wanted one of the two.
“When I give my word, I don’t go back on it. I was not expecting this.”
Celtic, Rangers and co will have to move quick, however, if they want to take advantage of an unexpected twist of fate.
Newly promoted Lorient are now leading the chase for Grbic, who looks set to get his chance in Ligue 1 after hitting 17 goals in the second tier last season.
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