Hartson will not take pay-cut, says agent

JOHN Hartson’s agent has revealed he has held initial talks with Celtic about extending the striker’s contract.

Jonathan Barnett spoke to Hoops manager Martin O’Neill yesterday but warned Hartson will not take a pay-cut to stay at Celtic.

“I’m not here for John to take a pay-cut. Absolutely not. There is no reason why he should - he’s the best goalscorer in Scotland,” Barnett said.

Hartson’s current contract expires at the end of the season, meaning he is free to speak to other clubs in January.

Celtic supporters fear they could lose the popular forward just months after his fellow striker Henrik Larsson quit Parkhead for Barcelona.

A number of clubs are waiting in the wings if Hartson fails to agree terms for a new deal. Both Hertha Berlin and Borussia Moenchengladbach are understood to be interested in signing the Welshman.