SKIPPER Scott Brown is on the brink of agreeing a new two-year deal with Celtic.
The 33-year-old midfielder is poised to snub a lucrative move to Australia to remain at the Hoops in their bid for 10 successive Premiership titles.
Brown has already rejected an offer of around £45,000-per-week from Dubai-based club Al-Wasli as he sorts out his future.
He had been targeted by A-League new boys Western Melburne as their marquee signing which was a straight two-year deal with a 12-month option. The former Scotland international captain would have become one of the highest-paid players in the division.
It looks as though Brown, who cost £4.5million when Gordon Strachan bought him from Hibs in the summer of 2007, has finally made up his mind after a further round of discussions with chief executive Peter Lawwell.
News from Down Under indicates the Aussie club have already been told of the player’s decision to stay put.
Lou Sticca, part of the Western Melbourne consortium, is quoted as saying: “We are delighted for Scott to extend his glorious career at Celtic.
“While we are disappointed Scott will not be joining our inaugural campaign, we fully understand what Celtic means to Scott and what Scott means to Celtic.”
Brown will be ready to take his place in the Hoops midfield when St Johnstone visit this evening.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v St Johnstone tonight – only in your champion CQN.
