KRIS COMMONS could remain at Celtic for the League Cup semi-final against Rangers - but leave the day after.

 

The midfielder's protracted negotiations with the club appeared to have reached an end on Saturday at Hamilton Accies when he threw his boots to the Celtic fans in a farewell gesture.

However, boss Ronny Deila insisted that the player would be going nowhere, although it is understood that Bolton have made formal enquiries about taking the 32-year-old in this transfer window.

And it is expected that the wrangling will continue until the end of the current window - which closes the day after the Hampden Old Firm tie.

That would also give Celtic time to close a deal for Dundee United's Gary Mackay-Steven now rather than wait until the summer when he is currently due on a pre-contract and would also enable them to pursue their interest in Shaun Maloney.

Chicago Fire are in pursuit of the Scotland internationalist, although a return to Celtic is still thought to interest Maloney.

Meanwhile, former Celt Frank McAvennie believes the club have blundered in not keeping Commons in Glasgow.

With Commons having scored 32 goals in all competition last season, the former Celtic striker has questioned whether the Hoops can afford to replace the player if he goes now.

"You have to try and keep him because he offers so much," said McAvennie. "I thought he was outstanding in the 2-0 win over Kilmarnock the other week

"Everybody knows what you get from him when he is in the team and playing regularly.

"He is worth a punt. I think the lad and his family are settled in Glasgow and, if some kind of deal can be reached, it would be to Celtic's benefit.

"Put it this way, if he goes, can Celtic afford to go into the transfer market and buy a player who is capable of scoring 30-odd goals a season?

"He is arguably the cleverest player in the league just now. He is intelligent with the ball, he can make things happen and can score goals.

"If I were in Celtic's shoes I would have him signed up as soon as possible. But every manager comes in and sees things differently."

Talks are also still ongoing with on-loan Manchester City striker John Guidetti.

Celtic have already agreed a fee with the Premiership club to make the deal permanent, but personal terms have still to be decided.

The 22-year-old is another who McAvennie would like to see remain at the club.

He said: "He has a bit of personality and can score goals. He has lost a bit of form and it might be that getting his future sorted out lets him concentrate on his game.

"But he'd be a smashing signing if he were to make the move to Glasgow permanent."