THE SPL are preparing to extend the transfer window by an extra day to September 1.

It's good news for the Old Firm who are due to fight out the first Glasgow derby of the season on Sunday August 31 - the current date in place for the closure of the window.

As that date falls on a Sunday, there are fears that it could inconvenience any last minute business with admin staff not on duty.

An extension has already been agreed in England, France and Germany and Scotland appear ready to follow suit.

It is the last chance for clubs to strengthen their squads until January and the final opportunity for Celtic to add new names in time for their Champions League campaign.

The SPL are currently liaising with the SFA to gather information on the potential extension and will take a decision once that process is complete.

Meanwhile, Shaun Maloney's agent has warned Celtic that there are two other Premiership clubs keen on signing the versatile Scotland international. Maloney has struggled since moving to Aston Villa and Celtic are keen to bring him back to Glasgow in a £1million deal.

However, agent John Halliwell has insisted that Maloney has plenty of options.

"Villa haven't accepted a bid from anyone so unless that happens I will do nothing," he said.

"I have been contacted by people on behalf of clubs but I have told them if they are interested they have to agree a fee with Villa.

"Three clubs have asked if he is available because they want to talk to him but they have to come to agreement with Martin O'Neill first.

"If that happens then the final piece of the jigsaw is for me and the player to discuss a move to that club."

Celtic defender Bobo Balde could yet be offloaded before the end of the window with Wolves reported to be preparing another deal for the Guinean defender.

The Championship side have already had one move for the player rejected by Balde, but denied they offered him a £27,000 a week contract.

It is believed that Balde is sitting tight until the final hours of the transfer window as he seeks to win a move to a Premiership club.

But Wolves are currently in the midst of a defensive crisis and may tempt him with an increased offer.

The 32-year-old is available on a free transfer and Celtic are desperate to get him off the wage bill.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy had previously said that the deal for Balde was dead, but he could be prepared to return with improved personal terms simply because he is so short of options at the minute.