MOMENTUM appears to be gathering behind Wanderers’ pursuit of Celtic striker Kris Commons – with his agent insisting the player is no nearer a new deal with the SPL champions.

Martin Reilly, the 31-year-old’s representative who is also a close confident of Whites boss Neil Lennon, outlined the creative midfielder’s position after he had played a starring role in helping his side Kilmarnock at the weekend.

"Kris pledged his future to Celtic by retiring from international football to prolong his club career,” he said. "We feel that should be rewarded. It's not about vast sums of money."

Lennon is willing to offer Commons a longer deal than the 12 months currently on the table from Celtic but also wants him to join on loan for the rest of this season to help his play-off chase.

It has been suggested that funds earned from the FA Cup, including a tie at Liverpool, could be worth £400,000, which could help seal the deal.

But Commons, who scored 32 goals for Lennon last season to help clinch the Scottish title, appears to be focusing solely on Parkhead for now after returning to the starting line-up for the first time since November 22.

“I have to keep working hard and then see what happens,” he said.

“I have got rent to pay, so I need to get some money in. I am working hard to get a contract.”