Celtic are ready to make a move for Kris Commons after Rangers failed to match the Derby County wingers wage demands.
Walter Smith spoke about Commons at yesterday’s media conference but the cash-strapped Ibrox men can’t afford to offer the Scotland man more than the £14,000/week deal that Kenny Miller turned down.
Celtic are prepared to pay Derby £500,000 for the 27-year-old and give Commons a significant wage boost.
Neil Lennon is a keen follower of the Championship after snapping up Gary Hooper and Joe Ledley last summer with Nottingham Forest defender Kelvin Wilson signed up on a pre-contract deal.
Commons is out of contract at the end of the season with Derby frustrated by reports of interest in the winger who has refused to consider a new deal to stay on at Pride Park.
Celtic could agree a pre-contract with Commons then try and tempt Derby with a cut price offer before the transfer window closes next week.
Losing out on Commons would be a major blow for Smith who confirmed his interest in the Derby man yesterday.
“He’s someone we would be interested in trying to get,” the Rangers boss admitted. We have made an enquiry and we are in talks with Derby to see what the situation is with him.
“It’s important, with us having a small squad of players, if we do get a player in that he can play in more than one position. Kris can do that.
“He’s in exactly the same position that Kenny Miller was in last week, where his contract expires at the end of the season.
“I don’t do the deals. Martin Bain (chief executive) carries out that job. He was in discussions with them this morning but so far I haven’t heard from him.”
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STOKES OR HOOPER TO SCORE? YOU BET
If Celtic beat Hearts tonight it’s hard to look beyond beyond Anthony Stokes and Gary Hooper for the goal/goals.
With twelve goals each this season the new bhoys have adapted quickly to the club and have scored Celtic’s last four goals.
Hooper opened the scoring at Hibs and was followed by a double from Stokes who also settled the points in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Aberdeen.
Bet365 are offering 15/ 4 for both players to score the first goal tonight with the same odds available for the last goal.
It’s not quite a get rich quick scheme but betting on Stokes and Hooper for the first goal every week looks like providing a nice return- on top of the joy of watching them contribute to Celtic’s title bid.
Stokes gets international call-up
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