Sources: Celtic to hold face-to-face James Forrest talks to strike agreement
Celtic plan to leave James Forrest’s future in his own hands ahead of his contract expiring in the summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Glasgow giants intend to sit down and discuss a new deal with Forrest provided that the winger is still content with his role at Celtic Park.
But Celtic are also happy to allow him to move on if he is keen to seek more playing time elsewhere.
Celtic view Forrest as a squad player at this stage of his career, but sources say that they would be happy to keep him around out of respect for his excellent service to the club over 15 years.
Martin O’Neill’s side are hoping to push towards the Premiership title in the second half of the season, and the 34-year-old remains a significant part of the veteran boss’ plans.
James Forrest still has an important role at Parkhead
Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider on Wednesday that O’Neill is well-placed to agree late additions at Celtic before the upcoming 2 February deadline.
However, that is unlikely to affect players who the 73-year-old still sees as capable of playing a part for his team.
Forrest has turned out for the Bhoys on 24 occasions in all competitions so far this season, and although that has translated into just two league starts, he remains a key figure within the group.
Celtic find themselves battling with Rangers and Hearts in an unprecedented three-horse race for the league title, and the experienced heads within O’Neill’s group will be invaluable when it comes to the run-in.
Forrest is already a 13-time Premiership champion and knows as well as anyone what it takes to help a team get over the line in the latter stages of the season.
He may no longer be one of the first names on the team sheet, but like everybody in O’Neill’s squad, he will have a big role to play between now and the end of the season.
Celtic get fresh Arne Engels transfer security
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that Arne Engels won’t push to leave Celtic in the latter stages of the window, amid interest from RB Leipzig.
The Bundesliga side have shown a keen interest in taking the midfielder back to the German top flight, but Celtic have made it clear that they have no intention of entertaining the idea of a sale.
It has since become clear that Engels is also perfectly content in Glasgow, and has little intent of trying to force a move, with his focus fully on the title race at this stage of the season.
There is “no chance” that the 22-year-old will leave Celtic Park before Monday’s transfer deadline, as his future appears to now be secured until at least the summer.