NO WAY OUT
Despite ‘farewell’ gesture, Deila tells Commons he is staying at Celtic for now
CELTIC manager Ronny Deila last night told Kris Commons to forget about leaving Celtic after the former Scotland star’s goodbye gesture at New Douglas Park.
Deila kicked into touch pre-match reports that Commons, who threw his boots into the crowd, had played his last game for the club ahead of a transfer-window switch to Bolton.
The Parkhead boss was adamant that the 31-year-old will not be sold under his watch to Neil Lennon’s team this month — even if there is no chance of the player signing a new deal.
A contract impasse has existed for much of the season while the parties haggle over the length of a new contract, with Commons understood to be looking for a two-year arrangement.
And with Bolton ready to make a firm offer to end his four-year stay in Scotland, the player’s future plans appeared to be clear after goals from Adam Matthews and Liam Henderson defeated Hamilton.
Commons peeled away from the other players and tossed his boots to the visiting fans.
However, Deila stressed that it will come down to the manager of the club to make the definitive call — and that means Commons will stay until the end of May at least.
Deila said: ‘Kris will not go. We are keeping all the players we have here for the season, so he needs to go and get new boots. It will be expensive for him. Even if he says he won’t sign a new contract, he will stay anyway.
‘It is not easy to replace Kris Commons. This will not be taken out of my hands. This is a decision we will take together.
‘He has given me no indication that he wants to leave. I know he wants to stay and this is all in negotiation — about what the player wants and what the club wants.
‘It is just a matter if we can get agreement. It goes both ways. We must think what is best for the club and we will see if that is with or without Kris.
‘I haven’t spoken with (Bolton) and we haven’t heard anything from them. I am still talking with Kris, the last time was a couple of days ago.
‘I respect him and I think he respects me. He is a very good player and I think the relationship is good.’
Deila’s interpretation of events is not the first time he and Commons have appeared at odds this season.
The Norwegian also reported ‘there isn’t anything there’ on one of his targets, Wigan forward Shaun Maloney, but expressed delight at Gary Mackay-Steven signing a pre-contract to join Celtic in the summer.
Now attention switches to the prospect of the Dundee United winger making the move within the next fortnight.
When asked about launching a bid now, Deila replied: ‘We will see. Once again, I think they also want to keep him. It is important to be professional and treat people in the right way, whether they are going to be there for six months or three years.’
Celtic have also been monitoring Maccabi Tel Aviv winger Tal Ben Haim. The 25-year-old, however, has two years on his contract and Deila said: ‘He is one of the many names we have been talking about.’