Celtic to stand firm on Palace Kris Commons bid

CELTIC will reject any “insulting” offer they may receive from Crystal Palace for Kris Commons in the January transfer window.

By ALEX GORDON Friday, 19th December 2014, 12:00 am

A number of Premier League clubs are interested in Kris Commons with Crystal Palace leading the chase. Picture: John Devlin

The London club, who signed Joe Ledley from Celtic in the last January window, have been linked with the 31-year-old goalscoring midfielder who is out of contract in the summer.

Talks have stalled on an extension to the player’s deal and Selhurst Park manager Neil ­Warnock is believed to be lining up a cut-price offer in next month’s transfer window.

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A figure as low as £250,000 has been mentioned, but that will be rejected out of hand by Celtic, who could see last season’s top scorer leave for nothing at the end of the season.

A source said: “Under no circumstances, will Celtic be interested in selling Commons for an insulting figure. Crystal Palace paid £800,000 for Joe Ledley a year ago when he was coming to the end of his contract.

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“Celtic accepted that fee, but at that stage the club were already out of the Champions League and, as such, no revenue would be coming in from European participation.

“This is a different story. The club really want to do well in the Europa League as well as cleaning up on the domestic front. The manager will require a full squad of experienced campaigners when they take on Inter Milan in the first of the knock-out stages in February.

“If Crystal Palace believe Celtic will agree to a cut-price figure for their player with so much to play for, then they are sadly wrong and wasting everyone’s time.”

Former Scotland international Commons, who netted 32 goals last season, is adamant he wants to remain at the SPFL champions and current league leaders.

He is looking for a two-year extension and admitted: “I feel I’ve got a lot to offer over the next couple of years.

“This is a terrific place to be when you are in all the competitions and are going to attempt to win trophies.”

Commons, who cost £300,000 when he arrived from Derby County in January 2011, has failed to become a regular starter since the arrival of Deila.

However, the Norwegian insists the club could still come to an agreement with the former Scotland international.

He said: “There are circumstances that could keep Kris here for three or four years. That’s up to him and the club to agree. That’s what negotiations are all about. It is a positive thing that both parties want it.”

Premier League clubs West Brom and Leicester City are also monitoring the ­situation.

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