Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has said he is confident in securing a new contract for midfielder Stuart Armstrong after landing young sensation Kundai Benyu.
The versatile Armstrong, who can operate in the centre of the park or on the left, is entering the final year of his current contract at Celtic Park and would be allowed to leave as a free agent next summer if he is not tied down to a new deal.
The Daily Mail claim that there has been interest in the two-time-capped Scottish international from Premier League sides Everton, Burnley and newly promoted Brighton, but his current club boss Rodgers says he is hopeful of extending his time at the club after putting talks on hold due to the player’s international commitments.
The 44-year-old Northern Irish manager told the Daily Mail: “I am pretty confident the club and the agent will come to an agreement.
“I wanted to put it on the backburner towards the end of last season.
“He’s had the Scotland game and a holiday, so I’m sure they will resume over the course of the season.
“He has found a level of consistency and form and he naturally wants to continue like that.”
Armstrong made his international debut for Scotland in the 1-0 win over Slovenia in their World Cup qualifying clash, with the midfielder setting up Chris Martin to fire home a late winner.
He also started in their showdown with rivals England in their dramatic 2-2 draw at Hampden Park on june 10, playing the full 90 minutes.
His call-up came after a period of fine form for Celtic, which saw him score 17 goals, 15 of which were in the Premiership, in 47 appearances across all competitions as he established himself as a key player in Rodgers’ side.
Since joining the club from fellow Scottish side Dundee United in the winter transfer window of 2015, Armstrong has gone on to make 103 appearances for the Hoops, scoring 23 goals and providing 19 assists for his team mates.
Meanwhile, Celtic announced on their official website on Thursday that box-to-box midfielder Bendu, 19, has joined from Ipswich on a four-year contract.