Celtic close in on deal for midfielder

Celtic are reported to be close to agreeing a new contract with Daniel Kelly.

The midfielder is out of contract at the end of this year but has came off the bench in Celtic’s last three matches and scored in the 7-1 win over Dundee.

David Turnbull’s transfer to Cardiff coupled with injuries to Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate has left Brendan Rodgers short of options with Kelly making the most of his opportunities.

Being in the last year of his contract gives the 18-year-old the upper hand in contract negotiations but after being with Celtic since his primary school days the club should be able to come up with a deal to suit all parties.

In the Daily Record, transfer specialist Scott Burns reports:

Celtic are closing in on a new deal for youngster Daniel Kelly.

The teenager is out of contract at the end of the season but the club have now tabled an extension. Celtic want to tie the teenager down long-term and are confident of agreeing a deal.

The 18-year-old has managed to break through into Brendan Rodgers’ team in recent weeks and made an instant impact, claiming his first senior goal, in the recent Premiership rout of Dundee.

Kelly has been a regular in Celtic’s B and Under-18 sides and is highly rated. He has been linked with German outfits Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig and interest in England but his preference is to stay at Parkhead.

Celtic are keen to get Kelly’s future sorted out, rather than running the risk of losing him for training compensation at the end of the season.

Celtic fans have waited a while to see someone really emerge from the club Academy.

Mikey Johnston, Stephen Welsh and Tony Ralston have all played important roles over the last few years but none of them have nailed down a place in the manner of Kieran Tierney.