Chris Sutton expects Celtic playmaker Stuart Armstrong to leave the club in the January transfer window even though he signed a new contract with the club this month.
Armstrong, 25, signed a new two-year deal with only a year left on his previous deal at Celtic Park, but failed to start against Astana on Tuesday night and has only started five of his 10 appearances this season.
Speaking to BT Sport prior to Celtic’s Champions League play-off clash against Astana, Celtic icon Sutton claimed he would not be surprised if the former Dundee United ace left in January.
“Celtic wanted to see him commit long-term. But after signing a two-year contract, he will be in the same position next summer as he was this summer,” Sutton said, as quoted by BT Sport’s official Twitter account.
“More pertinently, he needs to concentrate on getting back in the team now; Ntcham is ahead of him. I would not be surprised if Celtic sold Armstrong in January because he needs to get back playing.”
"I wouldn't be surprised if Celtic sold Stuart Armstrong…"
Amid Premier League interest, @chris_sutton73 expects him to go in January. pic.twitter.com/LEQtTHr7Z9
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 22, 2017
Armstrong was crucial for the Hoops last season, scoring 17 goals and adding another seven strikes in assists during 47 league and cup appearances.
However, he has fallen down the pecking order behind the likes of Oliver Ntcham, Callum McGregor and Tom Rogic in recent times and could now be offloaded after reported Premier League interest earlier this summer.
The Daily Express claimed Southampton, Everton and West Brom were all eyeing a £3million move for Armstrong prior to him signing a new contract at Celtic Park.
The Hoops booked their place in the group stages of the Champions League on Tuesday night with a 4-3 loss to Astana, which saw Celtic win 8-4 on aggregate after their 5-0 first-leg win.
OPINION
Armstrong is in danger of becoming just a one-season wonder at Parkhead, and Sutton’s claim holds substance with the player desperate to be more involved in first-team football. The £4.5million signing of Ntcham from Manchester City has seen Scotland international Armstrong fall to the bench, with Rogic and McGregor both showing much more in the final third as a number 10. If the Hoops can bring in around £5million for him in January then there is no reason why they should keep their number 14, if Armstrong fails to improve.