Stokes gives contract hint on twitter
Talks about a new deal for the striker broke down at the end of the season with the player’s contract ending on June 30.
Celtic have an option to extend that deal by 12 months but a new contract would be beneficial for all parties.
Stokes returned to Lennoxtown for pre-season training last Thursday and after a light hearted exchange on twitter is clearly in no mood to move on.
Hoops fan @davidkemp1 asked: “@stoksey10 u better no leave I don’t want to be the bawbag way stokes 10 on his shirt n ur gone.”
The striker wasted no time in replying with: “@daviekemp1 haha you’ll be alright!”
Despite failing to agree to a new deal with the striker Neil Lennon is a big fan of Stokes and described his display against Hibs in the Scottish Cup Final as his best in a Celtic shirt.
“We really saw the best of him towards the end of the season,” the Celtic boss said. “He looks physically in the best shape he has been in.
“He was such a pivotal player for us towards the end of the season and his cup final performance was absolutely fantastic.
“The opportunity is there for him to go and make a good career for himself. He is very important to me.”
With Gary Hooper looking increasingly likely to be on the move Lennon will be keen to get Stokes onto a new improved contract.
Amido Balde has already been signed from Vitoria Guimaraes but ensuring that a tried and tested SPL scorer like Stokes is tied up onto a new deal will be one of Lennon’s priorities when he returns to Lennoxtown tomorrow.
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