Callum McGregor could be in line for a new deal at Celtic, according to manager Neil Lennon.
As reported by the Daily Record, the 26-year-old only put pen to paper on a new five-year contract last December, but his manager is open to the notion of him extending his stay even further.
As quoted in the same article, Lennon said: “We will possibly look to tie him down for longer.
“That’s something we may talk about with his representatives as we go along.”
TiF Tactics – Is this a good idea?
This isn’t just a good idea, it’s an absolute no-brainer for the Hoops.
Since breaking into the first-team picture back in 2013, McGregor has consistently been one of the Bhoys’ most impressive performers and shows no signs of stopping in his development in his mid-twenties.
Sometimes viewing a player of his standards in the context of the Scottish Premiership can feel a little superficial, but even looking at his performances in Europe and for the national side last season, it is clear that he is a talent.
In the Europa League last year, over the course of eight appearances, McGregor averaged a pass completion rate of 87.1%. If you look at his outings for Scotland, that number jumps up to 89.5%, as per Whoscored.
He also averaged 3.5 shots on goal per game for his nation last term, and was dispossessed just once per game [Whoscored].
In short, McGregor is the kind of player you can build a team round, and if Lennon is smart that is exactly what he will do.
Likely to happen?
At this stage, you wouldn’t rule it out.
Except for a loan spell to Notts County, McGregor has spent his whole career in Glasgow, and his level of performance, plus the level of adoration he has cultivated amongst the Parkhead faithful, would suggest that his and Celtic’s is a match made in heaven.
Having fended off Premier League interest from former manager Brendan Rodgers and Leicester City on deadline day, as reported by the Leicester Mercury, it is clear that the Hoops are serious about hanging on to one of their top talents, and if the feeling is reciprocated, why wouldn’t he sign?