Sources: Celtic discuss terminating 27-yr-old contract, Lennon makes up his mind

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Published on:

10 Jun 2019, 1:30 am

By Wayne Veysey

Neil Lennon has given the green light for Nir Bitton to remain at Celtic for another season after urging the club not to let him go, Football Insider understands.

The midfielder, 27, made only 10 appearances for the treble winners in the recently-completed campaign after missing a big chunk of it with a knee injury.

A Celtic source has told Football Insider the club hierarchy discussed the possibility of terminating Bitton's deal and paying him off but Lennon wants him to see out the final year of his contract.

It will mean the 22-times Israel international will extend his association with Celtic to a seventh season after signing from FC Ashdod in August 2013.

He has made 181 appearances for the Glasgow giants and been a valuable squad member during the club's total dominance of Scottish football.

Lennon regards Bitton as an asset due to his experience and versatility which enables him to slot into central defence as well as his preferred central midfield role.

His height at set pieces is also a key factor in the club keeping hold of a player who has missed a lot of football in recent seasons due to injury.

In other Celtic news, it can be REVEALED that a huge Brendan Rodgers favourite has told friends he may quit the club in the coming weeks.

Celtic

Nir Bitton