CELTIC skipper Scott Brown has knocked back the opening offer from Australian outfit Western Melbourne, a move CQN reported yesterday.
The newly-formed A-League club will attempt to negotiate an improved contract for the former Scotland international midfielder to lure him Down Under.
Brown, 33, is out of contract at the Hoops in the summer and is taking his time considering his options following his 11-and-a-half years at Parkhead.
Manager Brendan Rodgers and chief executive Peter Lawwell have already stated they want the player to remain at the champions.
The sticking point would appear to be over the length of a new contract which would have to be thrashed out in the coming weeks.
Brown, who is reported to be reluctant to uproot his young family, could make an announcement on his future by the end of the month.
The Aussies are eager to make the player their marquee signing ahead of their first season in the Aussie top flight.
They have tabled an initial two-year contract with the option of another 12 months, depending on appearances.
Brown is on a family holiday in Dubai ahead of Celtic’s winter training camp there, which begins on Monday.
