Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Celtic are in talks with Dedryck Boyata over a new contract.
The 26-year-old defender’s current contract ends in the summer of 2019 and manager Rodgers is eager for him to commit his future to the Hoops.
Boyata has held talks with Rodgers and chief executive Peter Lawwell, and a second round of discussions are due to take place.
He said, as quoted by the Scottish Sun: “Dedryck would go into his final year next summer, but I’d love him to stay. His representatives have spoken to Peter Lawwell and I’ve also spoken to Dedryck.
“He understands what I think, but you always have to respect the player. We will chat again.
“He is a player I rate highly and like all of the boys, he is seeing a really exciting period at Celtic. They want to be in this cycle and lots of them have signed up to be part of it.
“There is nothing yet on Dedryck’s contract, but I’d like him to extend it, very much so.”
Boyata has made nine appearances across all competitions for Celtic this season since returning to action after a knee injury.
OPINION
Since joining from Manchester City in the 2o15, Boyata has been a key member of the Celtic side but, like many of his fellow centre-backs, he has difficulty in stringing together an extended series of appearances. The Belgian made a howler in midweek against Bayern Munich, and there is a feeling among the fans that he makes too many of them for comfort. But Boyata is certainly worth persevering with, and should continue to make progress under Rodgers and his staff in the coming years if he can agree fresh terms.