JOE LEDLEY is waiting for the call to sit down with Celtic and conclude talks on a deal to extend his stay at Parkhead.

While the spotlight has been on whether or not the Hoops can persuade Gary Hooper and Victor Wanyama to accept contract extensions, the Welshman has been waiting patiently in the background for more talks to secure his future with the SPL champions.

And he said today: "Something happened about a month ago, but we are still waiting to speak to Peter Lawwell.

"Hopefully it can be done because I have one more year on my contract after this season.

"I have enjoyed my time here and would like to stay for a long time.

"It's a fantastic bunch of players, manager and coaching staff.

"So, I am happy at the way it is going and I am happy with the way I am going as well."

Those comments will delight manager Neil Lennon as they come amid reports that sought-after striker Hooper is about to change agent with a view to trying to move back to England in the summer.

But Celtic will not give up trying to persuade him to sign a new contract to replace the one which runs out in 18 months,

Wanyama's contract has even longer to run, until 2015, but Celtic recognise the need to protect their asset as the Kenyan is a transfer target for major clubs among the English elite.

By contrast to this high-profile pair, talks about Ledley's future have been under the radar.

He has proved to be a big player for Lennon, and is due to return to action this weekend against Hearts after resting his troublesome groin injury since December 8.

By way of preparation, the midfielder is expected to play some part in tomorrow's friendly game against Steaua Bucharest here in Marbella.

Latest signing, Rami Gershon, hopes he will also get the green light to take part in this match and that he can do well enough to book his place in the side for Saturday's game at Parkhead.

Lennon – who will not be at the game as he attends a coaching seminar in England – has not given up chasing the necessary permission to field Aussie wonder-Bhoy Tom Rogic against Steaua.

Insurance for the 20 year-old Central Coast Mariners trialist is one of the issues which would have to be addressed.

But the pressure to get a deal done quickly has been increased with the news QPR have lodged an offer of £460,000 for Rogic.

Fulham and Reading remain in the hunt for him, and his agent in Oz, Andy Bernal, said: "I can confirm Celtic want to take him back to Glasgow this week and that there is also interest from other clubs, with QPR among them.

"Tom has some decisions to make, and it will have to be a club that is right for him."

Celtic are also expected to step up their attempt to sign Chivas USA's Juan Agudelo before the SPL action resumes this weekend, while Nigerian defender, Juwon Oshaniwa will be watched again when the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off next week.

Meanwhile, Celtic have also been linked with Marco Rojas, a 21-year-old winger with Melbourne Victory.