HANDS OFF CHRISTIE

BURNLEY will be told they are wasting their time if they are plotting a dramatic beat-the-deadline swoop for Ryan Christie.

The Celtic midfielder has been linked with the Turf Moor outfit before the transfer window closes a week tomorrow.

Sean Dyche, manager of the unfashionable Premier League side, is a long-term admirer of the Scotland international and could be planning a bid, according to a report in the Sunday Mail.

However, the champions, who are bidding for a historic tenth successive title, will warn off any would-be suitors for the 25-year-old ace who is under contract until June 2022 and is in the throes of being offered an extension by the Parkhead hierarchy.

Neil Lennon, who has already seen Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer linked with an array of clubs during the summer, has no intention of allowing the Highlander to leave in what he terms a “monumental season”.

Christie, who was signed by ex-boss Ronny Deila for a bargain £500,000 from Inverness Caley Thistle five years ago, has become a key man in the Irishman’s squad.

He hit 19 goals in all competitions last season, has three in nine so far this term and will almost certainly take his usual berth for the visit of Hibs today..

* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v Hibs this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.