Callum McGregor exit would be catastrophic for Celtic as game-changing twist revealed
Callum McGregor is being heavily linked with a move away from Celtic but Martin O'Neill must do all he can to keep him at the club this summer.
O'Neill is facing a vital summer window as he looks to improve the Hoops' squad following their double triumph last season.
Title rivals Rangers and Hearts have already moved to bolster their respective squads, while Celtic look to be lagging behind as it stands.
Fans and players alike have demanded more ambition from their board this summer, but just one signing has arrived at Parkhead so far, while several key men are being linked away from the club.
Club captain McGregor has himself hinted at leaving the club if they do not match his ambitions for the future, and talk of an exit has accelerated in the last few days after he changed agents.
The 33-year-old club legend is the glue that holds the Celtic team together, and his departure would surely anger fans like nothing else, as well as be to the detriment of O'Neill's squad both on and off the pitch.
Callum McGregor exit talk spells real trouble for Martin O'Neill
McGregor has played 576 times for Celtic in the last 12 years and made 57 appearances across all competitions last season, despite turning 33 in June.
He started all but two Premiership games as the Hoops won the title on the final day, then grabbed an assist in their Scottish Cup final victory against Dunfermline.
McGregor remains a huge part of the Celtic side, yet could depart this summer if he feels the board are not doing their part to help the club to more success.
Reports over the last few months have claimed that former boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to reunite with him at Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah this summer.
McGregor's recent switch to the same agent as Rodgers has only fuelled rumours of a possible move away, with O'Neill admitting over the weekend that he would be powerless to stop him leaving if a big offer was made.
The Celtic manager needs to hold sit-down talks with McGregor immediately to convince him to stay, and must call on the club's chiefs to invest more to prove that they are trying to stay ahead of Rangers and Hearts.
Which other midfielders could leave Celtic?
Celtic are already set for a midfield overhaul, which is another reason why McGregor needs to stay to retain some kind of continuity next season.
Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Celtic are "resigned" to losing Arne Engels as Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace eye his services.
Benjamin Nygren is also likely to leave the club after shining last term, with several clubs across Europe, including some in the Premier League, linked with a move.
Reo Hatate recently reiterated his desire to seek a move away from Parkhead this summer too, so it is clearly in Celtic's best interests to do all they can to keep McGregor.