Brendan Rodgers has revealed to the Daily Record that he had a long chat with Celtic’s Dedryck Boyata yesterday.
Boyata has recently returned to Celtic training, after playing for his national side Belgium at the World Cup.
The centre-back’s performance in Russia has made him a top target for several clubs, with Celtic now having a fight on their hands to retain him within the Celtic squad.
Boyata has been linked with a number of clubs across Europe, but Rodgers has confirmed that he wants Boyata to remain at Parkhead.
He said: “It is great to have Dedryck back. He had an excellent World Cup and gained valuable experience.
“He looks fit and strong but of course just needs a bit of time.
“The talks have been on-going. I had a long chat with Dedryck yesterday and he is in a good place.”
Boyata is in the final year of his current deal with Celtic, so this summer could be the last chance for the Bhoys to receive a fee for him if they are unable to get the defender to renew his deal.
Boyata looks likely to play an integral role at Celtic this term if he does stick around.
The former Manchester City man has been a regular feature under Rodgers, with the Celtic boss clearly a fan of the powerful centre-back.
