Paolo Di Canio, who spent the 1996-7 season at Celtic, may return there when his contract with West Ham runs out this summer.
The Italian striker, at Celtic Park before he went to Upton Park in 1999 after a spell at Sheffield Wednesday, was given permission to talk to the Scottish champions last week.
His agent Moreno Roggi said yesterday: "We asked West Ham for permission to speak to clubs outside the Premiership so as not to breach FIFA rules. Paolo would be happy either to stay in London or return to Glasgow - and that would mean Celtic.
"Paolo would love to stay at West Ham even if they get relegated. His daughters are attending school and his whole life is in London now."
"We are still waiting for West Ham to come back to us and hopefully, when they are sure they won't be relegated, we will be able to discuss a new contract."
Di Canio revealed he had been cleared for transfer talks after Sunday's 2-1 win away to West Ham's relegation rivals West Bromwich. He was furious at being substituted and said: "Maybe it is because the club have told my agents that they can look for another club for me next season and this is part of their plan."
The 34-year-old's next game for West Ham would be his 140th. They are third from bottom, two points above West Brom but three behind Bolton.
