Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong is expected to be at the centre of a Premier League bidding war this summer as the Hoops slap a £4million starting price on his head, according to the Express.
The newspaper report that the 26-year-old is stalling over a new contract offer at Parkhead, with just a year remaining on his current deal, and that Brendan Rodgers will cash in on the senior star if an agreement cannot be made quickly.
It is stated that English side Crystal Palace, who have Dougie Freedman as director of football, are keen on his capture, but that they will have to battle with league rivals Southampton, who have held long term interest in Armstrong, for his signing, and that Celtic are placing a £4million fee to ignite the bidding.
Good move for Celtic?
Not really, but if Armstrong is not going to put pen to paper on a new deal what real choice do they have?
The Hoops are being backed into a corner, forced to offer the midfielder better terms to get him to commit or sell him up to a potential suitor if they are to avoid losing him for nothing in 12 months.
It appears as Rodgers is not willing to let the club be dictated by a player’s demands and by offering him out at £4million is welcoming his exit.
No player is bigger than the club and Armstrong now has to decide whether to back down or force his way out of Parkhead.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10
Likely to happen?
With Celtic reportedly willing to seek £4million for his sale, Premier League sides could jump at the opportunity, and his time with the Hoops could come to a swift exit.
Of course the Bhoys will be patient and try to force a deal which gets them as much money as possible, but it certainly seems as though his time in Glasgow is coming to an end.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10