Boyata won’t quit Celtic in January, says Rodgers
BRENDAN RODGERS expects Dedryck Boyata to stay put at Celtic until the summer. The Belgian World Cup defender has entered the final six months of his agreement. And with no evidence he will sign a new contract, the current window represents the final opportunity for the Parkhead club to demand a fee, after turning down a £9million bid from Fulham in the summer. Boyata downed tools in a bid to force the move, with his agent going to war with the club. Despite renewed interest from the London club, however, Boyata is now expected to stay put until the summer, with Roma, Lazio, Sevilla, Fenerbahce and Olympiakos all compiling reports. Asked if Celtic had received any offers this month already, Rodgers said: ‘No, nothing. ‘He will just stay calm and see out the season and see where he’s at. ‘There will be interest in him, of course, but nothing concrete at the moment.’ Locked in what promises to be
the tightest title race of his three years in charge, Rodgers admits it would suit him fine to keep the former Manchester City player until the end of the season. ‘Yeah, it’s something we would want, of course,’ added Rodgers. ‘He’s a very, very good player. ‘He’s entitled (to decide his own fate). He’s within his rights in the last year of his contract and he’s at an age where he can wait and see whether it’s a new contract at Celtic or a move. It’s a big next contract for him.’ New signing Vakoun Issouf Bayo is now clear to make his debut against Airdrieonians in the William Hill Scottish Cup this weekend after paying a fine to avoid a two-match ban. The Ivory Coast striker completed his £2m move from Slovakian side Dunajska Streda last week, pending a work permit that should be issued in the coming days. But after being booked and scoring in a 2-2 draw with Zilina, the 22-year-old was handed a three-match ban from the Slovakian FA for violent conduct. Bayo missed one match before joining Celtic and the remaining two games would have applied in Scotland had Bayo not paid an outstanding fine of 1000 euros. But that has now been settled, meaning Celtic fans could get a first glimpse of their new signing at Parkhead on Saturday evening against the League One side. Meanwhile, Celtic have announced that Damien Duff and former captain Stephen McManus have joined the club’s coaching staff. Former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland winger Duff, who joins from Shamrock Rovers, has been appointed reserve team coach, while McManus will take charge of the Under-18s. ‘I am absolutely delighted to join Celtic in this new role and be part of a club for which I have such huge respect,’ said Duff, who also coached his country’s Under-15 team. ‘It’s a massive honour to be given this opportunity and I’m looking forward to playing my part in developing our young players of the future. ‘I can’t wait get to started in my new role and do all I can to make a positive difference to some exciting players we already have at the club.’ McManus, who has joined from Motherwell, added: ‘The passion and respect I have for Celtic is well-known and it really is a fantastic honour to join this great club again.’