Football: McStay poised to leave Celtic

The16-year association between Paul McStay and Celtic could be coming to an end after the Parkhead captain yesterday revealed he has not been made a contract offer with his current deal due to expire this summer.

"I wouldn't say there is a rift but I have been informed that no contract will be offered between now and the end of the season," McStay said. Asked if the situation with Celtic could be resolved, McStay said: "All I can say is what I was told yesterday I can't go any further than that - there's no contract and that is it really."

On the prospect of leaving the club he loves, McStay added: "That is something I have to contemplate. If I don't leave, I'll be on month to month deals. I've been told there is no offer so I have to weigh up my options and review my future. I've nothing at all in the pipeline."

Celtic's chairman, Fergus McCann, refused to discuss the future of McStay, other than to comment that he had expected discussions to "remain confidential". McCann also insisted that any offer of a new contract would not be made to the manager, Tommy Burns, until the summer. "The position of Tommy Burns will be discussed along with the entire direction of the development of the team and the club at the end of the season," McCann said. Meanwhile Celtic's top scorer this season, Jorge Cadete, was told by McCann that he will only see an increase in his wages if he agreed a longer contract.

The Rangers left-back, David Robertson, has been offered a three-year deal by the Serie A team, Perugia. They are one of a number of Italian clubs, including Atalanta and Internazionale, interested in the defender, who will be out of contract this summer. Rangers, however, are still negotiating to keep the player who was signed from Aberdeen in 1991 for almost pounds 1m.