Celtic stall on new deal for Mulgrew

RONNY DEILA has told Charlie Mulgrew that talks cannot take place over a new deal until he has fully proven his fitness. The 29-year-old is in the final six months of his contract but has struggled to get a run in the Celtic team through injury. Sidelined since September with a thigh injury, he returned against Ajax in November only to suffer a recurrence. Deila hopes James Forrest, whose deal also ends this summer, and Tom Rogic, who has another year to go, will put

pen to paper following on-going negotiations. But he is adamant Mulgrew (left) must first demonstrate he is back to his best before the club considers an extension. ‘We are going to meet this month and things are going forward with Jamesie,’ Deila said. ‘Rogic is still going on as well, hopefully we can get a deal done. ‘Charlie is also in that category. The most important thing is getting him injury free and then we will see what’s happening.

Charlie will be thinking the same, he wants to get back to top shape to be as good as he can be.’ Deila confirmed Croatian midfielder Ljuban Crepulja is on trial ahead of a proposed move. ‘He’s here for some days for us to get to know him,’ Deila added. ‘Nothing more than that. We’ll see if he is the quality we are looking for.’ Meanwhile, Deila shot down suggestions Stefan Johansen could be on his way to Aston Villa, while Sportsmail understands Celtic won’t be making any move for St Johnstone’s Michael O’Halloran despite interest from Rangers.