DECIDE WHETHER TO KEEP THE OUT-OF-CONTRACT PLAYERS

In Charlie Mulgrew, Rodgers has an experienced, adaptable performer who is about to become a free agent. The Scotland international has been linked with Bournemouth and Derby County but, speaking after last weekend’s closing victory over Motherwell, he underlined his desire to stay at Parkhead. ‘I’m hoping to be back,’ he said. ‘I’m in discussions at the moment. It’s kind of been put on the back burner until the new manager is sorted out, understandably. ‘I’ve always said how much I love it here and hopefully we can get something sorted.’ Rodgers will now make that call. And he will also have to consider whether anything more should be done to try to persuade James Forrest to stay. The winger, no stranger to injury problems, rejected a four-year extension in February. His current contract expires later this year.