Celtic coach John Kennedy believes securing the long-term future of star midfielder Stuart Armstrong is a priority for the club this summer.
The 25-year-old thrived under the leadership of Brendan Rodgers last season, scoring 17 goals and supplying seven assists in a storming season for the Scottish club in domestic competitions.
Armstrong, who earned his first senior Scotland cap in March, was a key member of the first-team, but faces an uncertain future at Parkhead with just one year left on his contract.
The midfielder’s impressive form and current contract situation has reportedly alerted Premier League newcomers Brighton, with the Daily Record claiming the club’s scouting network have already “discussed” his talents.
But Kennedy insists that seeing Armstrong, and Celtic’s other top players, tied down to extended deals trumps the need to bring in new players in the forthcoming transfer window.
He told the Scottish Sun: “Talks have been going pretty well with Stuart and his representatives and the club. Stuart has loved it here and I think he is in a very good place.
“As much as adding to the squad, the important thing is getting players like Stuart tied down. That is probably more important for us.
“But as far as I’m aware, Stuart is in a very good place and wants to get it done. Hopefully things will be done pretty soon.”
Given Brighton’s reported interest in Armstrong’s services, Kennedy’s admission that talks are moving in a positive direction will be of great news to Celtic fans, who have applauded Armstrong for his efforts this term.
A number of Celtic’s remaining first-team stars have also caught the eyes of sides in the Premier League, including young duo Kieran Tierney and Moussa Dembele.
The pair have also thrived under the Rodgers’ stewardship at Parkhead, but Celtic could face a battle to fight-off interest from Europe’s elite if they maintain their current form into next season.
Tierney signed a new deal until the summer of 2021 at the start of last season, but interest from elsewhere could see him handed another agreement.
Goalscorer Dembele, meanwhile, put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal when he arrived at the club last summer, meaning he still has three years left to run on his current deal.