LUDOVIC GIULY, the French winger who has been linked with a move to Celtic, last night insisted that he will be staying at Barcelona until his contract ends next summer.
The SPL champions are among a host of clubs keeping tabs on the 30-year-old whose father, Dominique, was reported to have announced the 2006 Champions League winner was 80% certain to quit Camp Nou.
Italian reports suggest the former Monaco captain has been offered to Fiorentina as a makeweight in a £10m bid for the former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu, but Giuly is adamant that he will not be leaving Barcelona and rubbished the comments attributed to his father.
He said: "I read that and I called my father, but he said to me that it was not what he had said. At the present time, I have a contract for another year in Barcelona and I want to stay in Barcelona.
"I will see the directors and we will see what they offer me, since only I can decide - and I want to remain in Barcelona. If that is what I desire, nobody will be able to transfer me."
Meanwhile, Celtic have appointed Gregory Dupont as their head of sport science.
The 34-year-old, who has a PhD with distinction in Sports Science and Exercise Physiology, will be responsible for the specific application of scientific principles and techniques with the aim of improving each player's fitness level across Celtic's first team, reserve and under-19 levels and throughout the club's Youth Academy.
Dupont said: "It is a fantastic honour to be appointed the club's Head of Sport Science and I look forward to the many challenges ahead at this great club. I hope I can ensure that ultimately, what our sports science operation does continues to be translated into excellent levels of performance and positive results for the club."
Peter Lawwell, Celtic's chief executive, added: "Gregory has an excellent reputation in Europe and will be a great asset to Celtic Football Club.
"Celtic has been at the forefront of developments in this most important area for a number of years and we are sure Gregory's appointment will ensure that we remain there."
Dupont has been head of sport science for Lille in the French first division for the past seven years.
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