Fabrizio Romano issues latest update on the future of Celtic talent Daniel Kelly

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Celtic and Daniel Kelly still need to do some work to secure the youngster’s long-term future at Parkhead.

The 18-year-old’s contract expires in December 2024, creating an unusual wrangle that has yet to be resolved. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a swoop for the midfielder.

Negotiations are still up in the air between Kelly and Celtic. In addition, Bayer Leverkusen, Como and Bologna have been credited with an interest over the last few months.

Fellow academy graduate Rocco Vata departed for Watford last week, earning the Bhoys a small training compensation fee.

Nevertheless, his exit continues a worrying trend of youngsters opting to leave Glasgow’s east end to establish themselves in the senior game.

Kelly’s situation has now gained airtime from world-renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, who has provided an update on his future at Celtic.

Fabrizio Romano on Daniel Kelly’s future at Celtic

Taking to social media platform X, Romano has indicated that Kelly could leave Celtic in January on a ‘free transfer’ as no progress has been made on an extension to his time at Parkhead.

He explained: “2005 born talent Daniel Kelly could leave Celtic as free agent in January. There’s still no agreement after Celtic proposal to the player, could be one to watch as many European top clubs follow him including Bayer Leverkusen. Celtic have rejected all approaches so far.”

Frustratingly, the notion of another prodigious talent leaving Celtic appears to be gaining momentum. Romano describes his predicament as ‘one to watch’ and details that ‘many top European clubs’ are keeping tabs in case he becomes available for a permanent move.

Celtic have to find a balance between acquiring imports from overseas and offering their own production line a chance to shine in the first team. Without that, players will continue to leave the club for opportunities elsewhere, which, unfortunately, sometimes come with a greater degree of financial security.

Football is a short career, and young individuals are obliged to find the best path for their own career. If the Bhoys can’t guarantee that at home, the unwanted trend of youngsters departing will continue.