Hoops Striker Could Talk To Villa

Celtic forward Shaun Maloney, who has been linked several times to Aston Villa, has called off contract talks until January according to the Hoops chief executive Peter Lawwell.

Maloney becomes a free agent in the summer and is able to talk to other clubs and sign pre-contract agreements in January.

Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked to the young hot shot.

Lawwell said: 'Despite making serious and persistent efforts to continue negotiations, Shaun's representatives have indicated they wish to suspend discussions until January when Shaun will have the opportunity to look at options.'

'It would seem the reason for this is not financial. This development is worrying. However, it should be clearly stated that Celtic are very keen to bring this matter to a successful conclusion. That would be one which sees Shaun extend his contract with the club.'

Meanwhile Top Sport are suggesting that Villa might be looking to loan Svetoslav Todorov from Portsmouth in January.

Todorov is currently on loan at Wigan but that deals run out on December 31st. The report suggests Todorov would be a great short term answer for our striker shortage.

Not sure about this one, are we that short? Baros, Angel, Sutton, Agbonlahor and Moore when he returns?

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