Long serving Celt linked with surprise move

Nir Bitton could be a surprise name on Celtic’s summer clear out.

The Israeli signed a new contract last season but has rarely been a first pick with almost all of his appearances over the last few years coming in central defence rather than midfield.

After not selling anyone last summer Celtic have big decisions to make this summer over Kris Ajer, Ryan Christie and Odsonne Edouard who are under contract until June 2022.

With four loan players returning to their clubs and Scott Brown turning 36 big changes are expected but as The Sun reports there could be another player moving out:

NIR BITTON is a summer target for Israeli champions Maccabi Tel Aviv. Celtic are set to undergo a major squad overhaul at the end of the season.

Ambitious Maccabi want to end Bitton’s eight-year Hoops stay and bring him home to Israel. The 29-year-old joined Celtic in August 2013 but hasn’t always been a regular in recent seasons.

He is under contract for another two years and the Hoops will not let him go on the cheap. But Maccabi could test Celtic’s resolve with a summer bid for the versatile Israel star.

Bitton was signed by Neil Lennon during his first spell as manager and enjoyed varying fortunes under Ronny Deila and Brendan Rodgers.

As last month’s sale of Jeremie Frimpong demonstrated Celtic are prepared to sell if the price is right with significant losses expected for the current season.

Bitton and his family seem very settled in Glasgow but after eight years in Scotland he could be tempted into a return to Israeli football.

In December 2019 he signed a contract keeping him with Celtic until June 2023.