Kelechi Iheanacho contacts new club after confirming Celtic exit decision

Celtic are now facing the prospect of losing one of their star players just weeks after he told the media that he wants to stay at the club this summer.

It would be a frustrating blow for Martin O’Neill, who has the chance to accelerate beyond Hearts and Rangers once again following a managerial merry-go-round in Scotland.

While Rangers get used to life under Derek McInnes, and Hearts feel the full force of losing their captain and manager to the Gers, Celtic should be in the most stable position to retain their crown next season.

Alas, the Bhoys have still got plenty of work to do on their end. Following a disappointing year of recruitment, Parkhead chiefs have got to get their incomings right this summer and have already set their sights on a number of names as a result.

Alvaro Rodriguez is one of those names. The Elche striker was involved in 12 goals in all competitions last season and is now on Celtic’s radar, as they look to reignite their attacking spark on a permanent basis.

His arrival could certainly solve their striker problem, but it would also raise question marks about the future of one of their own attacking stars, despite his previous claim.

It’s not just the entrance swinging open in Scotland this summer. The Bhoys could also face some frustrating departures.

According to Brazilian outlet Atenção Vascaínos, as relayed by Sport Witness, Kelechi Iheanacho offered himself to Vasco Da Gama, only for the South American club to reject the chance to secure his signature.

This comes just weeks after the forward told reporters that he would like to stay put at the Scottish club, revealing his love for the supporters.

As things stand, however, Celtic are yet to trigger the one-year option in the forward’s contract and he will become a free agent at the end of June.

Rumours that Iheanacho is offering himself to other clubs suggests that contract talks are either yet to get underway or failing to head in the right direction. Whether things are resolved before the forward’s current deal expires is now the big question.

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