BRENDAN RODGERS has revealed he has plans for business in next month’s transfer window – but the Celtic boss remained tightlipped about speculation surrounding a return for Kieran Tierney.
The Hoops gaffer, though, admitted he hoped Greg Taylor’s contract situation could be resolved before the Scotland international is allowed to talk to interested clubs in two weeks’ time.
And Rodgers acknowledged evergreen winger James Forrest will be OUT for six weeks after sustaining an injury in the Premier Sports League Cup Final triumph over Rangers at Hampden on Sunday.
The Irishman and Parkhead powerbrokers met with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond during the week to discuss several topics, including strengthening the first team squad.
Rodgers said: “We were just talking about January and what we normally do. Then I got back from that and I watched the B team final.
“Then, obviously back into work. So for the manager and the coaches, we’re always looking forward.”
CUP THAT CHEERS…Callum McGregor and Greg Taylor celebrate the League Cup success over Rangers.
Former fans’ favourite Tierney, who moved to Arsenal in a record-breaking £25million deal in the summer of 2019, is on his way out of the London club after the news they would not take up the 12-month option on his contract.
The 27-year-old left-back has been hampered by injury in recent seasons, but has been mentioned again with a return to his boyhood favourites.
Rodgers, speaking at the media conference, stated: “We’ll always be linked with top players and especially players who are one of us.
“Kieran was an instrumental part of a really, really successful period when I was here. And his talents then took him on to another challenge in the Premier League.
“So, yeah, we’ll be linked with lots of names. Kieran naturally because of his situation. But for us, we’ll only ever tell you when we sign a player, once he’s signed.”
Current No.3 Taylor has steadfastly refused to agree terms on an extension and will be allowed to leave the champions in the summer as a free agent.
COME IN, No.24…James Forrest performing at Hampden as he collects yet another honour.
Asked about getting the situation resolved, Rodgers answered: “I would hope so. I think I’ve said it a number of times, he’s so important for our squad.
“Greg’s a player I’ve really enjoyed working with so much on and off the pitch. And I’ve said it before and I repeat, I really want him to stay. So I’m hoping that between the club and his representatives, we can organise a deal.
“But I also understand he’s 27 now, this will be one of the last big contracts of his career. He has to make sure that everything is right.”
Forrest won the 24th honour of his glittering career at Hampden, but an injury knock will keep him out of the manager’s plans for the next month and a half, starting on Sunday with the Premiership visit to Tannadice to take on Dundee United.
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