Matt O’Riley might now be getting the headlines at Celtic after Spanish giants Atletico Madrid tabled a bid for him.
But one other name at Parkhead who could be departing is highly-rated youngster, Rocco Vata.
The 18-year-old scored his first Celtic goal at the weekend as Brendan Rodgers watched his players dispatch Highland League side Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup.
His contract expires in the summer and he is free to talk to foreign clubs – interest from Italy has emerged this month.
John Hartson made it clear that it would be a ‘terrible decision’ to let Rocco Vata leave because he might go on to prove his worth elsewhere, as he told Go Radio.
Ideally, you would want the versatile forward to sign a new contract and allow someone like Brendan Rodgers to build up his talents.
But, sometimes, in these situations, it depends on who you surround yourself with and other clubs might just put down offers you can’t refuse.
Rocco Vata’s future at Celtic
“You don’t want to take a risk on letting a really good potential player go at 18,” said Hartson.
“It would absolutely be considered as a terrible decision if Rocco Vata was to go on and become a first-team player elsewhere and be fantastic.
“I think the ideal scenario, what Brendan is saying there, is that he is a really good young player. He is one of those he thinks he can improve by working with him on the training ground, so I think the ideal situation for Rocco Vata is to go on loan. Go on loan to a club where you can play and improve.
“Then you have an opportunity to come back to Celtic, if you have really, really done well and give yourself an opportunity that you can compete in the Celtic team. That would be the ideal scenario for Rocco Vata.”
Brendan Rodgers is right to be patient with Rocco Vata
The Celtic boss was pretty blunt about the player’s situation and how ‘he doesn’t need players ready at 18’, but they could be told by those around them that they should be pushing for the first team now.
Rodgers needs to be tough in his stance. He is the one in charge. It’s either his way or the highway.
The potential and quality to grow into a first-teamer is there, but realistically is he going to get ahead of any of the forward players at Celtic right now? Not a chance.
But he can sign a new contract, earn minutes from the bench, build himself up and try and knock down that door in 12-18 months.
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