Boyata jets in to sign for Celtic
BELGIAN defender Dedryck Boyata is set to become Celtic’s first major signing of the summer after jetting into Glasgow last night. The 24-year-old Manchester City defender is expected to put pen to paper on a three-year deal subject to a medical after agreeing terms with the SPFL champions. A Parkhead contingent consisting of chief executive Peter Lawwell, manager Ronny Deila and coach John Collins met the young central defender for talks earlier this month and the club are preparing to sign him for a significant seven-figure fee. Boyata has rejected the offer of a new contract at City in search of regular first-team football and will now replace his fellow countryman Jason Denayer, who has returned to the Etihad Stadium after a one-year loan deal with Celtic. Unconfirmed reports in Belgium claimed last night that City boss Manuel Pellegrini will
insist on a buy-back clause, offering the English Premier League club first option on re-signing the player at a later date. Boyata’s father hinted that a deal was close when he revealed on Saturday night that his son was ready to join another club in the British Isles, possibly as early as next week. Speaking on Belgian television, Bienvenu Boyata said: ‘It is clear that he will not stay at Manchester City. He does not want to stay. City want to extend his contract but, as he will not play, he will not develop. ‘A club has shown interest and reached agreement with Manchester City. It will perhaps be made official next week. ‘What club? It remains on the island (Britain).’ Boyata has managed just 40 appearances for City’s first team in five years, with only five outings in the season just ended. Capped once by Belgium, he had loan deals with Bolton Wanderers and Dutch club FC Twente and signed a new two-year contract at City last summer. Celtic boss Deila confirmed his interest in the defender earlier this month. The Norwegian may yet be in the market for two central defenders ahead of the Champions League qualifiers in mid-July if the Scottish champions receive an irresistible offer for Virgil van Dijk. Everton, Arsenal and Southampton have all been linked with the 23-year-old Dutchman, although Deila has previously stated the Parkhead club have no wish or need to sell.