Aberdeen prospect Connor Barron has yet to sign a new contract despite the club first offering the deal a number of months ago, Pittodrie boss Jim Goodwin has revealed.
Barron was said to have attracted scouting interest from Celtic in the summer after Ange Postecoglou was left impressed with his form in the second half of last season.
The Dons rate him as a player with high potential and are keen to get him tied down to a new deal, with his current contract expiring in 18 months. However, the 20-year-old has yet to commit his future to the club, despite terms being put to him months ago.
Goodwin told The Scotsman: “The offer has been on the table to Connor for a number of months. Connor is one we like obviously. He had a brilliant second half to the season last year. He has been very unfortunate this season, picked up an injury right at the beginning of pre-season and has taken him a little bit of time to recover.
“He’s only 20 years old and sometimes when young players come in and make the kind of impact that Connor did last season then that level of expectation goes through the roof. They expect these young players to carry the team on their shoulders. That can’t happen because there is always going to be inconsistencies with any young players.
“Connor’s performances have been okay. I think he has done well in some games and in other games not been as influential as what we would have liked. He’s got a great attitude. He’s desperate to learn all the time, desperate to improve. He’ll continue to do that.
“We are quite secure with that one at the moment. There are 18 months left on his deal. We are in control of it. Even if the contract was to run down the 18 months then we would still be due a considerable amount of compensation. We’ve left that contract offer on the table and it is up to Connor and his representatives to decide what the next step will be.”
Barron initially started last season out on loan at Kelty Hearts but ultimately burst into the Aberdeen team after returning in January, managing to make 15 appearances in all competitions. This term, he’s already appeared for the club 14 times.
Celtic are well stocked in midfield but signing a player that can be developed over time may help with future planning – especially if they’re coming towards the end of their contract.
A January move is obviously doubtful but he’s another Scottish Premiership player whose progress is worth keeping an eye on.
In other news, Aiden McGeady’s glowing Kevin Nisbet verdict as he expects Celtic interest.
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