Report: Celtic agree terms with 25-yr-old goal machine after Wednesday breakthrough, deal to be signed in next 48 hours

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Published on:

16 Aug 2017, 10:20 am

By Harry Sykes

Stuart Armstrong is set to sign a new deal with Celtic within the next 48 hours following a breakthrough in talks today (Wednesday), according to a report.

The

Sun

claim t

hat negotiations have taken place that have smoothed a number of sticking points in the long-running contract stalemate.

It is said that both the player's camp and the Scottish giants are confident Armstrong, 25, will put pen to paper on a new agreement "before the end of the week".

The Sun report Swansea City have emerged as serious contenders to sign the attacking midfielder, whose 17 goals last season were instrumental in Celtic's stunning treble success.

Armstrong’s advisers were criticised by Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers on Tuesday over the length of time it’s taken for the midfielder’s new deal to be agreed.

Rodgers insisted: “It should have been organised, sorted and done six months ago.”

Football Insider verdict

Armstrong is too good to lose. The playmaker who created and scored for fun last season has been replaced by an imposter who has sleptwalked through the start of Celtic's treble defence and Champions League campaign. But, now that contractual issues appear to have been settled, Rodgers can sleep easily and look forward to welcoming back his matchwinner. Celtic need a top performer who can deliver the goods week in, week out, and that is more important than securing a touted £6million fee. The Scottish giants may have had to cede ground on a few issues but the Scot is worth it.

In other Celtic transfer news, Football Insider has revealed the Hoops are in the hunt to sign a dazzling attacking midfielder as late window interest to reach fever pitch.

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Stuart Armstrong