Celtic fans are beginning to feel restless at the lack of incomings this summer. But the Hoops have some work to keep some current talent at the club.
It’s been well-documented that academy duo Rocco Vata and Daniel Kelly are considering their futures as negotiations drag on with the out-of-contract pair. Republic of Ireland youth star Vata, 19, is now a free agent after his Parkhead deal officially expired but Celts still hope to tie him down on a new long-term deal. They face stiff competition from clubs in Italy and England though as Vata pursues regular first-team football, something he’s not guaranteed in Glasgow’s east end.
Talented midfielder Kelly finds himself in a similar situation, although the 18-year-old has a bit more time on his hands with his contract not due to expire until December. The teenager was pictured returning to pre-season training yesterday and like Vata, was promoted to the senior squad last season. Kelly scored his first goal for the club in a 7-1 rout over Dundee and Brendan Rodgers is a huge fan.
However, Football Scotland understands Kelly has a number of other options on the table, including German champions Bayer Leverkusen. Celts still hope to convince their academy duo to commit their long-term futures to the club.
Another priority will be to strike an agreement with left-back Greg Taylor. The Scotland international is out of contract next summer and is free to talk to other clubs from January onwards. One of the leaders in the dressing room, Taylor is entering his sixth season at Parkhead and is keen to extend his stay with the Scottish champions.
One-club man James Forrest finds himself in the same boat. The veteran winger had options to quit Celtic at the turn of the year due to his limited game time. But the 32-year-old’s patience was rewarded from March onwards when he burst into the team and inspired Rodgers’ side to three-in-a-row. Now in the twilight years of his career, Celts may be reluctant to make a decision on Forrest’s future until nearer the end of the campaign.
As for incomings, there’s been little movement on that front. A new goalkeeper remains the top priority, while talks are ongoing with Norwich City and Benfica over the permanent signings of loan stars Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo. Motherwell striker Theo Bair had been linked with both sides of the Old Firm and Stuart Kettlewell confirmed today that the Steelmen had received two bids for the Canada international – albeit outside Scotland.
Reports in Sweden suggest ‘super talent’ Pontus Dahbo is on the Double winners’ radar. The teenage midfielder broke into Hacken’s first team last season and recently penned a contract extension until 2025. But he could still be lured by a big move and Celtic are said to be keeping an eye on one of Sweden’s brightest prospects.
