Celtic are actually prepared to supply a significant wage improve to one in every of their key males in a bid to persuade them to signal a brand new contract in Scotland, it has been claimed.
Celtic unlikely candidates for Champions League qualification
Following a 7-1 thrashing by Borussia Dortmund of their second Champions League outing of the season, Celtic appeared rank outsiders to qualify for the knockout levels of the new-look Champions League.
Nevertheless, the Scottish Premiership champions have turned it round since, drawing with Europa League champions Atalanta earlier than pulling off a well-known 3-1 win over German facet RB Leipzig of their most up-to-date outing.
Targets from Nicolas Kuhn and Reo Hatate helped the Bhoys come from a aim down in entrance of a raucous Celtic Park to say all three factors, and transfer to seven from 4 video games.
At present in one of many knockout qualification spots, Brendan Rodgers’ facet face video games in opposition to Membership Brugge, Dinamo Zagreb, Younger Boys and Aston Villa of their closing 4 video games, doubtless needing three wins from these to cement an computerized qualification spot and two for a spot within the knockout qualification spherical.
It continues what has been a robust begin to the season domestically, with Celtic but to lose this season and sitting joint high of the Scottish Premiership with Aberdeen, who they drew 2-2 with final month earlier than thrashing them 6-0 within the Scottish League Cup. Now, there’s extra excellent news for the Bhoys.
Celtic make contract breakthrough
That comes as reviews declare that Celtic have made a breakthrough in talks over a new contract for defender Alistair Johnston, which is able to see him choose up a hefty pay rise.
The defender, who Pat Nevin described as “spectacular” in their win over RB Leipzig, has turn out to be one of many first names on Rodgers’ teamsheet following his transfer in January 2023, and although he’s below contract till 2027 as issues stand, his type is ready to be rewarded with a brand new deal in a bid to thrust back potential curiosity from overseas.
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Alistair Johnston’s 24/25 season |
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Appearances |
16 |
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Targets |
4 |
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Assists |
4 |
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Yellow Playing cards |
4 |
As per the Each day File, Celtic and the defender are “near agreeing a brand new contract”, which “will hand the 26-year-old a big improve in wage” in addition to growing the size of his keep. It’s added that talks have superior “considerably”, with Johnston’s agent having flown to Scotland to finalise the deal.
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Nevertheless, there’s much less excellent news for the contract of fellow defender Greg Taylor, who’s set to become a free agent as issues stand on the finish of the marketing campaign. Talking earlier within the season, Rodgers revealed tying him down to a new contract was a “priority”, nonetheless the report provides that “there was nothing agreed with the Scotland worldwide”, which is able to doubtless be Celtic’s subsequent focus.
