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The departure that Rodgers won’t entertain

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Brendan Rodgers has repeated his intention to hold on to Dedryck Boyata until the end of the season even though the defender will then be free to walk away.

After losing Stuart Armstrong, Patrick Roberts and Erik Sviatchenko in the summer the Celtic boss refused to consider a £9m offer from Fulham for the former Manchester City defender.

That set off a manic chain of events but at the end of the transfer window Celtic emerged with an impressive defensive pairing of Boyata and Filip Benkovic.

Further bids for Boyata are expected before the January window closes but with two domestic trophies to chase and interest still alive in the Europa League Rodgers won’t consider weakening the heart of his defence.

Dedryck will just stay calm and see out the season and then see where he’s at,” the Celtic boss told the Evening Times. “There will be interest in him of course but nothing concrete at the moment.

Would it suit us if he stays? Yes. It’s something we would want of course. He’s a very, very good player. He’s entitled, he’s within his rights in the last year of his contract and he’s at an age where he can wait and see whether it’s a new contract at Celtic or a move it’s a big next contract for him.”

Celtic have been linked with a move for Scott McKenna of Aberdeen with Kris Ajer and Jozo Simunovic in the background.

Leicester City to retain the right to recall Benkovic which further reduces the possibility of Celtic accepting an offer for Boyata.

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