Celtic have missed out on their option to extend Kelechi Iheanacho’s contract.
The striker was on a short-term deal in Glasgow, spending the back-end of the season as Martin O’Neill’s most important contributors.
Many in the Parkhead support would like to see him stay, but with pre-season training now underway, he is officially a free agent as he trains alone in Nigeria.
It leaves serious doubts over whether his Celtic career will continue.
Should Celtic hand Kelechi Iheanacho a new contract?
Celtic yet to open talks over Kelechi Iheanacho future
The Scottish Sun report there have been no concrete talks over an extension for the 29-year-old, with other clubs now in the race.
Previous reports have insisted that Iheanacho wants to stay at Celtic, so the reluctance appears to be on the club’s side.
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John Inglis, close to Iheanacho’s camp, told the outlet: “Celtic should absolutely look to keep Kelechi.
“I know how much he loved playing for the club last season and the joy he took from winning the big trophies.
“I think he proved himself with very important goals. Kelechi’s just a brilliant finisher in the box.
“He almost went to Celtic at the start of last year after Brendan Rodgers came in for him. We had good discussions over the possibility and Kelechi was very keen to play again for Brendan.
“But Middlesbrough were really determined for his signature and even sent a private jet for him. Kelechi joined them.
“What I do think is vital is that he gets a full pre-season with a team, and if Celtic are to do anything to keep him then I’d urge them to move quickly.
“Kelechi’s missed the last couple of pre-seasons and it’s left him having to play catch-up with his fitness going into the seasons that have followed.
“It happened again when he went to Celtic and it took him time to get up to speed.
“But everyone saw how good he can be. He’s a big game player and a tremendous pressure moment finisher.
“I don’t look after Kelechi now but I still regard him as a friend.”
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Kelechi Iheanacho now in Nigeria
Iheanacho is now back in Nigeria, and recently featured in a charity match in Imo State alongside ex-Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu.
He is reportedly training alone in a bid to maintain his fitness ahead of the new season.
Last week, Iheanacho dropped a major hint on his Celtic future by posting a picture of him and his teammates with the caption ‘my team’ on social media.
This certainly indicates a willingness to extend his stay, but up until now, there has been no news of constructive talks between him and the club.
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