Celtic have now made contact- talks underway for midfielder

Celtic have opened talks about extending the contract of Daniel Kelly.

The teenager made his SPFL debut in midweek, replacing Callum McGregor at the break then taking less than 20 minutes to find the net with a composed shot into the postage stamp corner.

Kelly has just 10 months left to run on his contract, worryingly he is able to sign a pre-season contract in July with clubs in England and Germany reported to be interested.

Wednesday’s performance against Dundee puts the player in the driving seat when it comes to negotiations which will now take on a sense of urgency.

The Daily Mail reports:

CELTIC are pushing to tie down teenage midweek goalscorer Daniel Kelly on a new contract.

The 18-year-old midfielder marked a dream Premiership debut against Dundee with a stunning first senior goal in a thumping 7-1 win for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Out of contract at the end of 2024, Kelly is now attracting strong interest from Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig as well as clubs in England.

Celtic have now made contact with the Scottish youngster’s representatives to schedule discussions on a new deal before he becomes free to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club this summer.

Kelly has been on the bench since the end of the winter break, even with Odin Thiago Holm back to fitness he has retained his place.

With Reo Hatate injured and David Turnbull sold to Cardiff in January the competition for midfield places has quickly thinned out.

As a Celtic fan Kelly’s contract demands shouldn’t be excessive but his agent will know what is available elsewhere and be expecting the going rate for the 18-year-old midfielder.