GEORGIOS SAMARAS, the Celtic striker, has reportedly turned down a £60,000-a-week, three-year deal to play in Russia for Rubin Kazan.

The Greek internationalist is out of contract at the end of the season and seems certain to leave Scotland after spending more than six years in the east end of Glasgow.

Russia's transfer window remains open until next Thursday and Rubin are desperate to add to their squad. According to reports in Greece, Samaras was offered a three-year contract with the ambitious club which would have earned him an astounding £9.36m.

However, the forward - who turns 29 tomorrow - rejected the deal because he did not want to move to Russia and thought the switch would hinder his preparations for this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Samaras has been linked with moves to Toronto, Atletico Madrid, Lazio and Hull City. For all the transfer speculation, though, the striker still has not ruled out extending his stay in Glasgow, despite a disappointing season.