Gloomy Werder Bremen sporting director Frank Baumann admits his side can't compete with Celtic's financial muscle in the race to land Georgios Giakoumakis.
The VVV Venlo striker is a wanted man with the German side looking to sign the 26-year-old ahead of Ange Postecoglou 's side.
Giakoumakis was omitted for Venlo's clash at the weekend amid swirling speculation surrounding his future as the man who netted 33 goals last season sees what comes next.
And Baumann concedes the Bundesliga 2 side must get creative if they have any hope of landing the towering hitman this summer.
He said: “We can't outdo the other clubs with money. We have to score with other things."
Celtic are in the market for a new striker with Odsonne Edouard facing an uncertain future as he enters the final 12 months of his Parkhead contract.
But the fight to secure Giakoumakis might not just come from Germany with Venlo's chief Marco Bogers admitting over the weekend that a host of clubs are keen.
He said: "Celtic and Werder Bremen have officially approached us.
"But there are more clubs now showing interest, so the game isn't over yet. We expect even more clubs to be in touch.
"It must be a good deal for all parties. Everyone must benefit from it. Georgios must have the right feeling about the club and we do have a price in mind that must be put on the table.
"It is clear that after relegation and a year of Covid, our financial situation will not get any rosier. A transfer is not an absolute necessity, but it would be better for all parties if it happens."
