TOM ROGIC is close to extending his stay at Celtic just as Leeds United are preparing to make a bid for the reborn Australian.

The midfielder, who has been one of the finds of this season for his club, has along with his agent, Daniel Berman, been involved in contract talks with Peter Lawwell, Celtic’s chief executive, something that would have been unthinkable last season when the player was injured and all-but forgotten about by the supporters.

Leeds United’s Scottish manager Steve Evans is a long-time fan of Rogic whose Celtic career looked over until Ronny Deila gave him a second chance in the summer to prove his fitness after missing a year of football through injury and Evans may still try his luck with an offer close to £1million.

However, Berman is confident a deal can be done and while Leeds may make a bid, it seems likely that the 23-year-old will prolong his stay in Glasgow.

“It is correct that we have been in negotiations to extend Tom’s current deal, and hope to agree something in the near future,” said Berman this week to FourFourTwo magazine.

“Tom is very proud to wear the Celtic shirt, and understands what it means to represent the club. Having played regularly this season, he is becoming increasingly influential, and is fully committed to helping the team achieve its goals domestically and in Europe.”

Rogic’s Celtic career has been anything but straightforward since signing from Central Coast in January 2013 for £400,000. He had to undergo two operations on his groin, which meant he missed the whole of last season with Celtic, and it seemed as if he would be ushered out the door without having had the opportunity to make his mark.

However, it is to the player's great credit that he hit the ground running during pre-season training and after a man of the match performance against Partick Thistle in August, a game which brought him his first Celtic goal, he has since established himself in the team and has been one of Deila's best and most consistent performers.

Rogic has shown up well in the No10 role and with six goals, some of which have been spectacular, and four assists so far he can be delighted with his contribution to the league leagues. His performances helped him win his first Australian cap at the end of last year.

Celtic are looking to shed the squad of fringe players, at least on loan, and unwanted striker Anthony Stokes is weighting up a move to former side Hibernian and also the chance to join up against with John Hughes at Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Hughes took Stokes on loan at Falkirk from Arsenal when the Irishman was just 17 and the two have remained close.

Several English clubs are also monitoring the situation for a player whose time at Celtic appears to have come and gone following what his manager described as "a series of issues."

Gary Mackay-Steven is another who could be loaned out. While he is a favourite of Deila, the winger has struggled for game-time of late and he may be sent out for the rest of this season.