JASON DENAYER will head back to England at the end of the season – although Manchester City are still willing to loan out the Belgian for another campaign.
However, it has been reported that the Etihad giants want the 19-year-old central defender to “complete his footballing apprenticeship” with a Championship team.
And there will be no shortage of takers for the stylish back-four operator who made his international breakthrough this season.
Belgian boss Marc Wilmots sent him on against Nir Bitton’s Israel after his City team-mate Vincent Kompany had been ordered off.
Wilmots had witnessed Denayer’s display against Inter Milan in the 1-0 Europea League defeat at the San Siro after Virgil Van Dijk had been savagely red-carded in the first-half.
The youngster was told by his coach: “Just play as you did that night and we’ll be fine.”
Belgium won 1-0 and Denayer had won what will surely be the first of many caps for his nation.
It’s unfortunate that it is now odds-on he will do it while performing in the second-tier of England.
Denier spoke at the end of last week about his willingness to return to Celtic next season should Manchester City agree. However at the Celtic Player of the Year Awards on Sunday night he was more non committal about the prospect of a return to Paradise next season.
Celtic target Danny Wilson, who has told Hearts that he will exploit his opt out clause in his contract in the summer, has been attracting interest from Greece and England as he awaits an approach from Ronny Deila.