SCOTLAND international Frank McAvennie has been given two days to decide his future - either Celtic or South China.
The 32-year-old Glasgow-born striker played one senior game for South China last November before returning for a second spell at Celtic, who gave him a contract to the end of February.
South China now want him back to lead their challenge for honours in next month's Viceroy Cup and are prepared to offer him a contract to the end of the season.
But last night Celtic moved in with a new deal, taking in the rest of the current campaign with an option of a further year - and gave McAvennie two days to make up his mind.
Speaking from Glasgow last night, McAvennie said: ''Celtic have offered me a contract but I am not happy with it and have not signed anything yet.
''They want me to go in and sign today but I'm still waiting for South China to contact me. They are interested in signing me, I'm interested in going back to Hongkong but we still haven't spoken - and I have 48 hours to make up my mind.'' South China officials have been trying to contact McAvennie at his Glasgow hotel but Celtic were playing a league game away to Dundee on Tuesday evening.
South China, who lost the Camelpaint Challenge Shield final to Eastern and look like relinquishing their league title to the same side, are increasing their pre-season budget by around $2 million to $10.5 million in a desperate attempt to end the season with a trophy.