Neil Lennon has revealed that he is in talks with several players over new contracts with Callum McGregor and Kris Ajer at the top of his list.
James Forrest and Scott Bain signed new deals this week despite already being committed to long terms contracts with Lennon keen to reward success.
Ajer is on a deal to 2022 with McGregor committed to the club until 2023 although it seems an open secret that Brendan Rodgers would like to take both players to Leicester City.
Contract management is a vital aspect of the game with Lennon explaining to the Daily Record that it is an on-going process.
I’m very happy to get him and Scott (Bain) tied up. I’m happy to be working with him for the next few years and I’m happy for him. He’s made great progress since he’s been here, so I’m really pleased. I’ve got three top quality goalkeepers, and I think he’ll relish the environment.
We’re talking to one or two players, so hopefully we can get those contracts over the line soon. Callum is one of them, he’s an important player and it would be good to get him tied down too. It’s important to have your core, and the core players here have been outstanding for the last three seasons.
Jamesy has been a fundamental part of that, as has Scott, and it just gives a feel-good factor to the club when you have boys committing themselves to the club on long-term contracts.
Kris Ajer is one we might look at. He’s played nearly all the games since I’ve been in and I’m very happy with him as well. These players are obviously assets too, and there will be admirers out there, no question, with the way they are playing. So, it’s a bit of protection for us as well as settling down the players if they are getting agitated by a little bit of speculation.
Contract talks will be on hold today as Celtic take on Hibs at Hampden looking to book a place in the final of the Betfred Cup as they chase a 10th successive domestic trophy.
Scott Brown is the main injury concern but after two months out of action Mikey Johnston could earn a place on the bench.