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Transfer news: Kris Commons hoping Celtic will offer new deal

Kris Commons scores the second goal for Celtic on 31 minutes
Image: Kris Commons: Scores the second goal for Celtic on 31 minutes

Celtic playmaker Kris Commons is hoping his contract stand-off with Parkhead chiefs could soon be settled.

The Hoops star showed just how vital he is to Ronny Deila's plans with a stunning 20-yard strike which killed off Rangers' hopes of upsetting their old rivals in the QTS Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden which Celtic won 2-0.

But with his deal set to run out at the end of the season, last year's 31-goal top scorer is still waiting to pen a fresh agreement.

The 31-year-old wants a new two-year contract but so far Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has only been willing to grant a new 12-month deal - with the option of another year depending on appearances.

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Kris Commons hopes his new contract at Celtic can be confirmed as soon as possible

But former Scotland international Commons says the two sides are close to a compromise on the terms.

He said: "I've had conversations with the manager about me not leaving, and that has been pleasing for me that that is the case.

"Now I'm hoping that sooner rather than later my contract will be sorted. It's been going on for far too long and it should be sorted so I can concentrate on what should be a very busy and hectic few months now.

"I've had conformation that we are getting there so hopefully it should be sorted.

"They have not put anything on the table yet but I think the words that have been discussed are near on."

Commons rattled home Celtic's second in the 31st minute after Rangers allowed him space on the edge of their box to pick his spot.

His shot whizzed past Steve Simonsen and crowned off a comfortable victory for Deila's side in the first meeting of the teams for three years.

And Commons admitted it is the unique atmosphere generated by the Glasgow derby which is one of the many lures of staying at Parkhead.

"What Celtic brings you is fanatical fans, European football and a joy to play for the club and I think it just ticks so many boxes for people coming through the door," he said.

"These sort of games [Old Firm clashes] are luxuries that you play in and win, lose or draw, it's still brilliant.

"It's like a Super Bowl with the press, the fans, the build-up. It's brilliant and you want to be involved in it, no question."

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