Having looked certain to complete a transfer away from Celtic in the summer, Emilio Izaguirre is set to be handed a new deal to remain at Parkhead in January, report Football Insider.
Starting three games in place of the injured Kieran Tierney of late, 30-year-old Izaguirre has impressed in a stand-in role and the Hoops are now keen to prevent the Honduran signing a pre-contract agreement with another club in the New Year.
Speaking to the Scottish Sun, Bhoys boss Brendan Rodgers claimed: “That’s the idea, to have the competition. We have one with experience, and one with youthfulness — so it is perfect balance.
A veteran of over 160 Scottish Premiership appearances, Izaguirre has been at Celtic Park since 2010 and for the most part, he’s been a starter at left back.
However, given Kieran Tierney’s meteoric rise into the first team since last season, Izaguirre has grown used to a limited role.
Nevertheless, with Arsenal and Manchester City interested in a swoop for Tierney prior to his injury, it appears imperative that Celtic tie down their fellow left back Izaguirre.