CELTIC are prepared to turn down attempts by Bolton Wanderers to sign Kris Commons this week.
A bid is expected from the Lancashire club, managed by Neil Lennon, but the Scottish champions are determined to keep the 31-year-year midfielder.
The Herald understands that Celtic want to keep Commons until the end of the season at least. Talks over the player's contract were conducted last week but none are so far planned for this week. It is understood the main sticking point is the length of contract.
The position to hold on to last season's top scorer was reinforced by Ronny Deila, the Celtic manager, after Commons threw his boots to supporters after the 20-0 win over Hamilton in what was seen as a farewell gesture.
Asked if this had been the player's last match for the club, Deila said: "I don't think so, you'll have to ask him. He's going to play more for Celtic so he needs more boots."
Celtic are in no mood to cash in before the player can leave for free on a summer. It is understood the club is resigned to the reality that Commons can sign a pre-contract agreement, with Bolton the favourites to secure his services, but they want to retain the Scottish internationalist until the end of a season where the club is still in all three domestic tournaments and face Inter Milan in the last 32 of the Europa League.
Contrary to reports, Celtic have not made a move for Shaun Maloney, their former player who has turned down Leicester City and opened talks with MLS side Chicago Fire.
His club, Wigan Athletic, had agreed a £1m fee with Leicester with Celtic reported to be interested - but it is highly unlikely that Maloney will return to the club he played for in two spells.
There is still a chance Celtic will acquire Gary Mackay-Steven in this transfer window. The champions signed the 24-year-old Dundee United winger on a pre-contract agreement from Dundee United last week.
United have said categorically they want to hold on to Mackay-Steven, who has made 130 appearances for the club since signing in 2011, until the summer. However, there is room for manoeuvre with a cash settlement now possibly suiting both clubs.
The "farewell gesture" by Commons on Saturday was last night being played down by sources close to the both club and player with the Scottish internationalist poised to feature in Wednesday's SPFL Premiership match against Motherwell at Parkhead.
Jason Denayer, the 19-year-old Belgian defender on loan from Manchester City, admitted he it would be "difficult" if Commons left the club but added that he Celtic had a squad strong enough to be successful without him.
"He is a very good player and it is like every good player, if he goes it is difficult for the team. He is one of the senior players with a lot of experience so he knows what he is doing and he can help all the team," he said.
He added: "We have no choice. If he goes, we will have to play our best and keep going. The quality is there in the group."
Deila is keen to extend the defender's loan beyond this season but Denayer said he did not know what his future would hold.
"I need to wait until the end of the season and see what it happens. I must just concentrate on the matches," he said.
Manchester City have been impressed by his progress in Glasgow. but Denayer is aware he "needs to do more again" before he can contemplate a starting place in the English Premier League side.
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