Kris Commons ‘no nearer’ Celtic deal, agent says

Celtic star Kris Commons was awarded the man of the match for his performance against Kilmarnock. Picture: SNS

CELTIC are no nearer to agreeing a new contract for Kris Commons, the midfielder’s agent has said today.

Commons, who has been the subject of mounting speculation in recent weeks, is hoping for a longer contract than is currently being offered by the Parkhead club.

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The player produced another sparkling display in last night’s 2-0 win over Kilmarnock, hitting the crossbar twice and winning the man of the match.

Martin Reilly, who represents the 31-year-old, denied the current impasse had anything to do with money. He told the BBC: “Kris pledged his future to Celtic by retiring from international football to prolong his club career.

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“We feel that should be rewarded. It’s not about vast sums of money.”

Ronny Deila and Celtic have maintained that they would like Commons to remain with the club but have stated that due to the player’s age, the contract length on offer is the best one for both parties.

Celtic are reported to have declined to comment further on the player’s future or respond to his agent’s statement.

The midfielder, who is out of contract in the summer, can speak to other clubs now that the January transfer window has opened.

Both Neil Lennon’s Bolton and Derby have already expressed an interest in the former Scotland star.

Commons, who was missing as Celtic’s squad headed for a break in Gran Canaria due to a family bereavement, spoke to the press after the match against Kilmarnock and reiterated his desire to stay. He said: “I have to keep working hard and then see what happens.

“I have got rent to pay, so I need to get some money in. I am working hard to get a contract.”

Celtic manager Ronny Deila was full of praise for the player’s performance but would not be drawn into discussions about contract talks with the player. He said:

“We will see what happens. We are working on it all the time and talks go on.

“He worked very hard in the first half; in the second half as well, but we dropped a little in our intensity.

“However, in the first half, Kris was involved in everything and he was very good defensively as well.”

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