CELTIC boss Ronny Deila has dismissed talk of Kris Commons signing for Wanderers, insisting the striker will stay at Parkhead for the rest of the season.

The Hoops boss hinted that ground had been made in contract discussions with the 31-year-old, who has been one of the top names on Neil Lennon’s hit-list since his arrival at the Macron Stadium.

Commons had been stalling on signing an extension to his contract, due to run out in the summer, and holding out for a two-year deal.

That presented an opportunity for Lennon to try and convince Deila to let the striker leave in the January window to aid Wanderers’ play-off chase.

But the Celtic boss hinted this afternoon an agreement is getting closer and a two-year contract is a possibility.

“Yes, there is a chance for that,” he told BBC Sport. “But you have demands from the club and demands from the player and you have to meet each other with a good deal for both.”

Deila insists Commons will be staying with Celtic until the end of the season regardless of whether he signs a new contract or not.

“The players who are here have to want to be here and Kris wants to be here,” he said.

“Kris showed in the game last week against Kilmarnock that he can be in a Celtic team that I coach. He has been in the team so many times this year.

“If he plays the way he did last week he is going to been an important player for us.

“He will stay here until the end of the season. Virgil van Dijk is also staying. We want to strengthen the squad.”