BRENDAN PLANS BOYATA TALKS

BRENDAN RODGERS plans fresh contract talks with Dedryck Boyata when he returns from his post-World Cup break.

The Belgian defender is now on a fortnight’s holiday following his three appearances for his nation as they claimed third place in the Russia Finals following their 2-0 win over England at the weekend.

Discussions will resume with Boyata immediately when he returns as the Hoops boss looks to settle the future of the 27-year-old centre-back who is out of contract next summer.

Boyata entered negotiations before heading to the World Cup, but, while Australian midfielder Tom Rogic signed a five-year extension ahead of the soccer spectacular, the former Manchester City man, who cost Ronny Deila £1million when he arrived in 2015, left for Russia with his situation unresolved.

The classy back-four operator impressed during his outings and has now been linked with Premier League new boys Fulham and Serie A outfit Lazio.

Rodgers has already expressed a desire for the stopper to remain at Parkhead and something could be put in place by the middle of next month.