Celtic target David Watson has broken his silence on his contract at Kilmarnock.
The midfielder is having a strong season at Rugby Park, and was linked with a potential exit in January.
Celtic reportedly targeted Watson for a winter move, with his form impressing as a mainstay in the Killie team.
As the captain of Scotland under-21s, the midfielder has generated interest from the UK and beyond, with even Lazio being credited with an interest in Watson.
Aberdeen are the most recent club to be linked, and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, there are questions to be answered.
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David Watson on contract amid Celtic links
Watson made his breakthrough as an 18-year-old in the 2023-24 season, being named SPFA Young Player of the Year.
After following that up with an inconsistent campaign, he has emerged as one of Killie’s most important players this season.
So how’s he feeling about his contract, with so many clubs reportedly circling ahead of a free transfer in the summer?
On the attention, he said: “I’m not dealing with that, it’s my agent who will do that.
“I’m just focused on what I’m doing and I’ll take it day by day and game by game. I wasn’t aware of what was going on during the window.
“I was focusing on what I had to do on the pitch. Even when I was suspended I was still at the games. I always focus on Kilmarnock before anything else.
“It’s the type of person I am. I’m not fussed about outside noise. I’d rather concentrate on what’s happening on the pitch, it’s the same now.”
Bolton Wanderers reportedly had a bid rejected for Watson during the January window, but they’re far from his only admirers.
What state is Celtic’s midfield in? Who needs to stay and who needs to go?
SPFL players linked with Celtic in January
A scouting mission from Martin O’Neill indicated that Celtic liked Tawanda Maswanhise, but no bid was forthcoming in January.
Celtic enquired about Kieron Bowie early in January, in a search for a striker which lasted until the 20th of the month.
Bowie has now completed a move to Hellas Verona, reportedly worth up to £7 million, joining a long line of Scottish players moving to Serie A.
Celtic were also linked with Josh Mulligan, Bowie’s ex-teammate at Hibs. They face stiff competition for the 23-year-old, with Premier League clubs keen.
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