Boyata Latest, Ntcham’s away, if the price is right

DEDRYCK BOYATA is to remain at Celtic until the end of the season, according to his manager Brendan Rodgers who has confirmed that the club will NOT sell him in this window.

And the Celtic boss has NOT given up all hope that the Belgian World Cup star will remain at the club beyond this season. That of course would mean that Boyata would sign a new deal with Celtic and while that currently seems unlikely it is not an impossibility, according to the Irishman.

“He will just stay calm and see out the season and see where he’s at,” Brendan confirmed to the media.

“There will be interest in him, of course, but nothing concrete at the moment.

“Does it suit us if he stays? Yeah.

“It’s something we would want, of course. He’s a very, very good player. He’s entitled, he’s within his rights in the last year of his contract.

“He’s at an age where he can wait and see whether it’s a new contract at Celtic or a move. It’s a big next contract for him.”

Boyata’s agent last week got back into the debate on his client’s future by boasting about the number of options he had for the central defender. He also revealed that he was “not even talking” to Celtic.

However it is clear that they know what Celtic are offering and perhaps they are canvassing and collecting alternative options before making a decision?

Boyata could have been sold to Fulham last summer when Celtic knocked back a bid of around £9million. It now looks like the player will leave in the summer without Celtic getting any money at all.

Some will regard this as a FUBAR moment caused by the summer disharmony between Peter Lawwell and Brendan Rodgers. Others will see Boyata’s role in securing 8 in a Row as being crucial enough to make the loss of the transfer fee justifiable.

Rodgers made the call to keep Boyata and he also made the call to re-introduce him to the side AA…’After Athens!’ The player certainly has not let the manager down in any way since he was re-introduced into the side.

Meanwhile Porto are back in the hunt for the signature of Oliver Ntcham and their persistence is something to respect! Celtic knocked back a very substantial offer in the summer, telling our 2003 UEFA Cup Final opponents that the player was not for sale.

But Porto may find Celtic a little more willing to listen to their highest possible bid this time around, with a bid in the region in excess of £15million likely to be acceptable. Tabloid reports have the Portuguese club’s opening bid to be slightly below this price so there could be some negotiations ahead.

Ntcham recently signed a contract extension at Celtic so the club are in a decent position to wait for future window to move on the talented French Under 21 midfielder but if Porto are determined enough they can get their man IF THE PRICE IS RIGHT.

ALSO ON The Celtic Star…

‘Both are real high-calibre individuals,’ Brendan on new recruits…See HERE.

Celtic legend Martin O’Neill heads back to Nottingham Forest…See HERE.

‘He meant to kick me rather than the ball,’ Celtic Star on Defoe’s bone breaking challenge…See HERE.

‘Wild Rumours’ as Glasgow bound Bayo says his farewells and thanks ‘Persistent Support’…See HERE.

‘Celtic can make Weah a more complete player,’ Neymar…See HERE.

‘I want to stay at Celtic’ admits World Cup star…See HERE.

Jim Craig – A good afternoon for Celtic, as they won 9-0…See HERE.

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

Comments are closed.