Celtic are trying to stop Leigh Griffiths from returning to Parkhead in January, with Dundee attempting to terminate his loan transfer five-months early, according to The Scottish Sun.
Griffiths moved to Dens Park in a year-long deal in August as a last-ditch arrival for James McPake’s side. But the 31-year-old has failed to find much form with just two goals so far.
Dundee now deem Griffiths surplus to requirements and are in talks with Celtic over ending his temporary stay. But the Bhoys have no desire to see the former Scotland international return, with his Hoops career likely over as his contract will expire at the end of the season.
Griffiths trained with the Dundee squad on Friday, as negotiations with Celtic dragged on. The Dens Park natives have a clause in their loan agreement that allows the Dee to end his stay. But the Bhoys are working to stop their £1m signing from Wolves in 2014 returning.
Two of the three parties must agree to cut short Griffiths’ loan to terminate the deal before its May expiration. He will remain training with the Dee until they all can reach a resolution.
Griffiths’ downbeat Dundee run takes gloss off of praise for Celtic loanee
Griffiths scored just his second goal of the season in his 13th Premiership appearance away to Aberdeen on Boxing Day. McPake started the 22-cap Tartan Army forward at Pittodrie, as well as against Hearts on December 18. He has only started eight games all term to date.
Aberdeen were also Griffith’s victim for his first goal on October 16 in a 2-1 loss at the Dee. But failing to shine in his other outings has taken the gloss off of McPake’s earlier praise.
“He is scoring a lot of goals on the training pitch. That is a given,” he said in September, via The Scottish Sun. “In the bounce game he got a goal, which wasn’t a surprise, it was his first touch. I am enjoying working with him.
“I only knew him as a player in the same team and now coaching him, I see how he has developed his game – which is excellent. You don’t have the career he has had without learning.”
Only Rangers (43) have scored more than Celtic (42) in the Premiership so far this season. And it is unlikely that Celtic welcome Griffiths back from his Dundee loan transfer to offer Ange Postecoglou more.
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