CELTIC PLAN URGENT BOYATA TALKS

CELTIC will have urgent talks with Dedryck Boyata this weekend in a bid to convince the Belgian defender to sign a contract extension.

The 27-year-old centre-half, who has been granted an extra break following his participation for his nation in the World Cup Finals, is a free agent next summer.

Boyata will now have crucial discussions with Brendan Rodgers and chief executive Peter Lawwell as they attempt to get him to sign a lucrative new deal.

The defender stalled on an agreement at the end of the season as he prepared for the Russian extravaganza where he played in the first three games before making way for skipper Vincent Kompany.

Rodgers and Lawwell are hoping they can convince the back-four performer to commit his future to the seven-in-a-row champions.

Reports have linked Boyata, who cost ex-boss Ronny Deila £1million from Manchester City in 2015, with newly-promoted Fulham and French side Lyon.