Caley Thistle will have to be patient in their pursuit of Celtic attacker Anthony Stokes.
Hoops manager Ronny Deila has agreed to allow the Irishman to leave Parkhead on loan, but it seems there is no urgent desire to make a move happen.
Both Caley Thistle and Hibernian are keen to land the forward, who has not played for Celtic since August and was been forced to apologise after taking to social media to vent his frustration at being a spectator last month during his side’s trip to Inverness.
Despite Stokes’ lack of action in recent months Deila insists he can still play his way back into his plans if he can rediscover his form elsewhere.
The Hoops manager said: “We think he will go on loan.
“He has some options but together with him we haven’t decided what is the right one yet.
“A lot of clubs have been in contact who want to have him in their team.
“We will see what Anthony wants and what is best for the club. He is happy to go out on loan. He wants to get some games.
“It’s important for everybody he finds himself, gets some good performances and can then perform for Celtic again.
“Does he still have a Celtic future? Yes, everybody has that.
“He has a contract with the club and knows the things he has to take care of.
“Hopefully he will get a good run of games, score some goals and get back in good confidence and the best shape he can be in.”
While Stokes heads for a the exit door Deila has dismissed suggestions midfielder Tom Rogic will be following him out of Parkhead.
The Australian has been linked with a move to Championship club Leeds United but Deila said: “I haven’t heard so much about that.
“But what I do know is that we want to re-sign Tom and have him here for the future. He’s made a lot of progress and we see a lot of potential in him.
“He can do much better because he has only played for six months after being out for a year before that.
“He needs time so he’s going to stay here with Celtic.”
Celtic have yet to act since the January transfer window opened and Deila refused to speculate on reports linking him with a loan move for Manchester City forward Bersant Celina.
Deila, who knows the Kosovan teenager from a stint with his former club Stromsgodset, said: “I know that name comes up because I have been at the same club as him before, but I won’t comment.”
While Deila continues to search for reinforcements the Celtic manager has revealed he expects to have captain Scott Brown available again next month.
The midfielder was ruled out for three months at the end of November with a knee injury, but the manager hopes to see him return a couple of weeks early.
Deila said: “He is smiling and we are smiling now he is back out running.
“He is like an 18-year-old when he runs and hopefully he can progress a little bit quicker. We’re hoping mid-February.”
The club announced on Monday it had banned three supporters indefinitely after Sunday’s Scottish Cup win at Stranraer was marred by the away support letting off smoke bombs and flash bangs at Stair Park.
Police say they are now investigating the matter, as well as reports of sectarian chants, and Deila backed the swift action taken by the club as he again pleaded with supporters to behave.
He said: “It’s important we get away from the things that are hurting our reputation. You know, 98% of the Celtic supporters are fantastic, but when you have so many supporters there’s always going to be something.
“But it’s important we do everything we can to make people safe at matches.
“This isn’t only a problem for Celtic, though. There are a lot of clubs in the world with the same problem.
“It’s nothing new but we have to take it seriously and we will.”