Scottish Premiership champions Celtic have opened discussions with Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho over a new contract as the club seeks to retain the forward ahead of the new season.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill confirmed that negotiations are ongoing with Iheanacho’s representatives, expressing his desire to keep the Super Eagles striker at the club.
“I would like to have him. It would be nice. I’m definitely pursuing that at this minute,” O’Neill said, adding that securing an early agreement would allow Iheanacho to enjoy a full pre-season after injuries disrupted his preparations last year.
Iheanacho, whose previous contract with Celtic expired at the end of last season, is currently a free agent after the club did not activate the one-year extension option in his deal.
The 29-year-old played a key role in Celtic’s domestic double-winning campaign despite injury setbacks, scoring crucial goals in both league and cup competitions.
The Nigerian international has also attracted interest from clubs in Turkey and Brazil, but reports indicate he remains keen on extending his stay in Scotland if an agreement can be reached with Celtic.
