Celtic sweat over John Guidetti permanent deal

Celtic's John Guidetti (right) battles with Dundee's Kevin Thomson during the side's Scottish Premiership clash. Picture: SNS

Hoops chief executive Peter Lawwell told shareholders at the club’s AGM last week that a price had been agreed with Manchester City, and that Celtic would be meeting with the Swede’s representatives - but it is believed Guidetti, who is on the radar of a number of top sides, is set to keep his options open for the time being.

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A free agent at the end of the season, he has attracted interest from the likes of Hull City, Marseille and Ajax and could join any club for free, but Celtic have already made a £2 million offer in a bid to land him as soon as possible.

Deemed surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium, Guidetti has not ruled out staying at Celtic, despite being ineligible for the club’s Europa League ties.

The 22-year-old has so far grabbed 10 goals for the Hoops, including the winner in their 2-1 victory over Dundee last weekend.

His salary is likely to be the biggest stumbling block for Celtic, as the Swede would command a hefty wage packet - putting him amongst the Hoops’ top earners - while at the same time taking a cut in his Manchester City wages.

Celtic are still hopeful that Kris Commons, wanted by ex-manager Neil Lennon at Bolton, will sign a new deal while Ronny Deila is set to run the rule over Derry City winger Michael Duffy who is on trial this week but Beram Kayal could make his way back to Israel after reported interest from Maccabi Haifa.

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