CELTIC Invincible Stuart Armstrong is on the verge of quitting relegated Southampton.
The 31-year-old Scotland international midrielder is reportedly a target for Serie A sides Torino and Lazio.
Armstrong, who cost the south coast club £7million when he joined from the Hoops in 2018, has a year left on his contract to run, but is unlikely to welcome performing in England’s second tier in the new season.
HAMPDEN HAPPY DAYS…Stuart Armstrong is congratulated by Callum McGregor and Scott Sinclair after his equalising strike in the 2-1 Scottish Cup Final win over Aberdeen in May 2017.
Ivan Juric, head coach of the Turin club, is keen to add the all-action middle-of-the-park ace to his squad as plans to build on his team’s 10th place in Serie A last time out, according to sports media outlet Tuttosport.
Armstrong joined the Parkhead club in a joint £2million move along with winger Gary Mackay-Steven from Dundee United in January 2015.
Ronny Deila played the 42-cap Scots star wide on the left, but Brendan Rodgers switched him inside where his strength and passing ability were of more benefit to the team.
He flourished under the Irishman and played his role in the team’s Invincibles crusade and scored a crucial equaliser in the 2-1 Scottish Cup Final victory over Aberdeen to seal the epic campaign at Hampden on May 27 2017.