SUNDERLAND have been told they are wasting their time if they make a £5million summer move for Nir Bitton.
Celtic boss Ronny Deila insists the Israeli international midfielder won’t be going anywhere during the next transfer window.
He said : “He is going to stay here and try to help us qualify for the Champions League.”
In recent seasons the likes of Victor Wanyama and Fraser Forster (both Southampton), Joe Ledley (Crystal Palace), Ki Sung-Yueng (Swansea) and Gary Hooper (Norwich City) have moved to English teams.
But Deila is in no rush to part with Bitton, who has taken Charlie Mulgrew’s place in middle and has been excellent since the turn of the year.
His consistency in the holding role allowed Deila to get the best out of captain Scott Brown and also saw Stefan Johansen enjoy his role in a more forward position.
Bitton, 23, is only halfway through his current deal and has stated consistently he is happy with life at the SPFL champions.
