Brendan Rodgers remains hopeful that Charlie Mulgrew will sign a new contract to stay at Celtic.
The 30-year-old is out of contract tomorrow and has been left out of Celtic’s pre-season trip to Slovenia which starts tonight with a match against NK Celje.
Discussing Mulgrew’s situation Rodgers admitted: “If there is not an agreement, that will obviously just run out. If it happens, we’d like him to be with us sooner rather than later but he’s out of contract and within his rights.
“There is always obviously a fear for a player when they come out of contract, if they train and get injured, they could be snookered. So I respect that and understand that completely.
“He seems a good guy, I’ve talked to him on the phone and people I’ve talked to around the club like him.
“But obviously it’s probably the last contract of his career, so he has to make sure he’s making the right choice for him and his family.”
Mulgrew was Neil Lennon’s first signing as Celtic manager when he joined on a Bosman deal from Aberdeen.
Emilio Izaguirre quickly became the first choice right back but after the festive win over Rangers (IL) at Ibrox Mulgrew established himself in the side at left back.
The following season, as Celtic swept to the title, Mulgrew was in outstanding form at centre-half, with his ability from set-pieces a key feature in taking the title back to Celtic Park.
Bournemouth and Blackburn have been strongly linked with the 30-year-old who has made close to 200 appearances since returning to Celtic.