Celtic begin contract talks with Vata…

Celtic have begun contract talks with academy graduate Rocco Vata, according to Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports-Anthony Joseph who reports:

‘Celtic have begun contract talks for forward Rocco Vata. It’s understood the club’s hierarchy have opened discussions with his reps at CAA Base to discuss the possibility of extending his stay in Glasgow. He’s believed to be keen on staying, if the right pathway arises.’ Anthony Joseph

It’s understood the club’s hierarchy have opened discussion with Vata’s representatives at CAA Base to discuss the possibility of extending his stay in Glasgow. According to Joseph, Vata is keen on staying at his boyhood club, if guarantees of his involvement in the first team are made.

The Irish u21 international has been a standout for the B team this season, scoring 12 times in 15 games in the Lowland League. Such top form prompted many fans to question why he had not been involved in the first team, with his impressive 26-minute cameo last weekend standing as his first appearance under Brendan Rodgers this season, coinciding with his first senior goal for the club.

Various Italian sides have been linked with the Irish u21 international this month, with Sampdoria, Bologna and Como all expressing a vested interest in the player.

Rocco Vata of Celtic celebrates after he scores his team’s fifth goal during the the Celtic v Buckie Thistle – Scottish Cup match at Celtic Park on January 21, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

However, the tide around Vata’s future seems to have changed over the past week, with Rodgers naming Vata in his first match-day squad this season last Sunday, allowing many fans to speculate whether the Irishman had committed his future to the club behind close doors.

The latest developments are promising to say the least, with Celtic reportedly keen to tie down Vata beyond the summer. The involvement of the Glaswegian in first team training and match-day squads is a positive for both Vata and Celtic, as the club look to rebuild its reputation of developing players within its own academy.

James French