Hartson still open to Celtic offers
Celtic have the opportunity to seal a new contract deal for striker John Hartson before the transfer window opens, according to the player’s agent.
The pressure is on the Bank of Scotland Premier League champions to secure the future of a player whose current deal expires in the summer.
Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has admitted he is keen to sign the player, whom he regarded as an automatic pick when he was in charge of Wales.
Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin are also reportedly interested, and the player knows he can sit back and wait for the offers to come in.
But Hartson’s agent Jonathan Barnett insists Celtic still have the perfect chance to settle the matter once and for all before the transfer window opens on January 1.
He said: “We are in the middle of negotiations with Celtic, and there will be a meeting between now and the new year.
“It has been in our diary for some time.”
Hartson has been the Hoops’ major source of goals in the post-Henrik Larsson era, having contributed 17 so far at home and abroad.
Hughes earlier confirmed the 29-year-old is on his list of transfer targets.
He said: “We are looking to strengthen in the striker area if the right player becomes available.
“John is somebody I know and one of a number of players we have discussed. But it is a little bit early to know if anything will come of it.”
Barnett is indicating the most likely outcome is Hartson extending his stay at Parkhead.
He said: “I am sure Celtic want him, and he loves Celtic.”
Blackburn are fighting a battle against relegation from the Barclays Premiership – with only Norwich, Crystal Palace, Southampton and West Brom currently below them.
Goals have been in short supply for Rovers, Scotland international Paul Dickov their top-scorer with just five ahead of the less experienced quartet of Jon Stead, Jay Bothroyd, Paul Gallagher and Matt Jansen.
