Hoopswantdeal forAjerandBain

MOVES Boyata is heading into final year of contract From Back Page staying with the champions realised as Hoops hierarchy prepare to begin negotiations with his advisors shortly.

The Dundee keeper, who joined on loan in January, is out of contract with his parent club in the summer and a free agent.

Bain, who has impressed during his spell as a stand-in for Craig Gordon, is desperate to stay.

Rodgers has dished out a glowing public commendation of the 26-year-old’s attitude and ability and the club are poised to back that up by beginning discussions over a permanent move.

Parkhead chiefs are working on various deal extensions.

And, while there have been no recent developments regarding Dedryck Boyata, Tom Rogic and Stuart Armstrong, talks over 19-year-old defender Ajer are moving along.

Celtic have been moving towards extending the Norwegian’s contract and opened discussions last month, with talks understood to be advancing positively.

Ajer has emerged as an important defender for Rodgers this term and his progression led to a first senior call-up.

And although Record Sport believes weekend talk of a Borussia Dortmund interest are way off the mark, scouts are aware of his emergence in Glasgow’s east end.

Celtic are edging towards finding an agreement to keep the centre-back beyond the remaining two years on his contract.