CRAIG GORDON has rejected Celtic’s contract offer to extend his six-year stay at Paradise. The 37-year-old has held contract talks with St Mirren but has admitted that the club know that they will need to offer something better in order to retain the keeper.

Having signed as a free transfer in 2014, Gordon was signed to replace the outgoing Fraser Forster and performed admirably as Number One following his arrival. Speaking to the Scottish Sun, Gordon has confirmed that he will speak to clubs in the next few weeks should Celtic fail to up their offer.

“With Celtic, the ball is in their court. They’ve made an offer but they know they’ll need to come back with something better.

“My contract has lapsed and I’m free to talk to anybody. That’s what I intend to do over the next few weeks.

“St Mirren have made me a good offer and other clubs have also been in touch.

“As things stand I haven’t closed the door on anybody.”

St Mirren’s offer to Gordon remains on the table but the goalkeeper is keeping his options to open to see if Celtic will up their offer as the ex-Sunderland man confirmed that further talks were planned.

“I want to take my time before deciding what’s next for me. Other clubs have been in touch too and I’m expecting to have some more talks with Celtic.

“But I’ll take my time to consider what to do.

“I’m just going to wait and see what my options are.”

This would leave Neil Lennon with just one first team goalkeeper in Scott Bain with Forster’s loan deal due to expire as well. Whilst Forster remains a target for next season, the club remain hopeful that Gordon will agree to extend his six year stay at Celtic Park beyond this summer.

Should Celtic secure Gordon prior to sealing a return for Fraser Forster, the club should offer the ‘keeper a loan deal away in order to give him the chance at an International return. However, if Forster doesn’t return, Gordon can remain as the club’s number one.