OLIVIER NTCHAM’S future is in the balance after AEK Athens pulled out of a move for the French midfielder.
The Greek giants are unhappy that Celtic are demanding a fee for the 25-year-old powerhouse, as CQNrevealed last month.
Brendan Rodgers spent £4.5million bringing in Ntcham from Manchester City in the summer of 2017, but after a promising initial period, the player slipped down the pecking order which allowed him to switch on a temporary basis to Marseile in January.
However, his hopes of a permanent deal with his homeland club were obliterated by a couple of below-par performances and he was returned to Parkhead after a miserable spell.
AEK originally believed the wantaway star could be available on a free transfer, despite the player still having 12 months to run on his current deal.
After several weeks of talks and agreeing personal terms with Ntcham, the club are now willing to look elsewhere unless the Hoops change their mind and scrap his terms and allow him to walk for nothing, according to a report in the Scottish Sun.
The midfield man is now likely to seek talks with new boss Ange Postecoglou and chief executive Dominic McKay is his bid to leave the club where it is clear he will not figure in the summer revamp.
He made 12 appearances for Neil Lennon last season and scored one goal.
