Celtic working to agree 'incentive-based' striker deal: 'It's the only way'
Celtic's contract offer to Kelechi Iheanacho will be "heavily incentivised" towards add-ons and bonuses.
That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Bhoys will search for protection against the striker's injury risks.
The Glasgow giants are currently in talks over a new deal for the Nigerian, and have already put an offer on the table for the free agent.
Wyness believes that the 29-year-old will eventually accept Celtic's offer, and believes that both parties will ultimately be happy with a tiered contract.
Iheanacho only managed four starts in the Scottish Premiership last term in an injury-hit campaign, but scored five goals in that time, including many crucial strikes in the latter stages of their title success.
The former Manchester City man was loved by the supporters for the impact that he regularly made from the bench, and the club are now working to bring him back.
Keith Wyness expects Celtic to reach Kelechi Iheanacho agreement
Aberdeen's former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs - believes that Celtic will ultimately reach an agreement with Iheanacho and his camp.
Martin O'Neill has made it clear from the outset that he is hugely keen to keep the frontman, and talks remain ongoing over a new deal.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness emphasised that an "incentive-based" contract may be the "only way" forward for Iheanacho at this stage of his career.
"It's going to be structured as a pay-per-play or heavily incentivised towards appearances. That's probably the only way, but the fact is he (Iheanacho) will take it, I'm sure," he said.
"He managed to pop up and score some great goals in very meaningful games. And so it was almost the classic player playing for a contract. And I think he'll get one.
"He'll get a reasonable basic wage, but it will be heavily appearance-based. And I think both parties will be happy. If he keeps himself in reasonable shape, then of course he can collect on that.
"He understands the game and the experience he's got has been crucial for Celtic. I think they'll come to a situation where both parties are happy. But it'll be heavily incentive-based in terms of protecting against those injury situations."
Celtic ready to seal exit for striker
Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Celtic will consider any offers that come their way for Johnny Kenny this summer, amid interest from both Millwall and Bolton Wanderers.
The Bhoys are looking to bolster their attacking options with new additions, and Kenny is set to be shown the door as a result.
O'Neill opted to ship the 23-year-old out on loan back in January, and it is undeerstood that the youngster will find it "difficult" to navigate a route back under the veteran boss.
Kenny impressed during a loan stint at Bolton, and a move to the English Championship now looks most likely for him.