BRENDAN RODGERS admitted he would have talks with Jeffrey Schlupp about the possibility of a permanent deal for the defender who arrived in a loan move from Crystal Palace in January.
The 32-year-old Ghanian international stepped in when Alex Valle’s temporary transfer from Barcelona was cut short and the left-back then moved onto Serie A outfit Como.
After a handful of outings, Rodgers, as reported in CQN, said: “I’ll have a chat with Jeffrey. It was the case of him coming in and settling while getting to understand how he plays.
“I think we can all see he has that Premier League physicality and quality.”
JUST CHAMPION…Jeffrey Schlupp and Arne Engels celebrate Celtic’s fourth successive title triumph after the 5-0 win at Tannadice in April.
Out-of-contract Greg Taylor has since quit the champions for Greek side PAOK, but no move has materialised for Schlupp who is now a free agent after his Selhurst Park deal expired.
It looks as though Rodgers will have to look elsewhere for back-up to returning hero Kieran Tierney with Schlupp now in demand with FOUR English Championship clubs chasing his signature.
West Brom, Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City are in pursuit of the experienced back-four operator, according to a report the Daily Record.
Queens Park Rangers and Millwall are also said to be showing an interest in the player.
SAINTS AND WINNERS…Jeffrey Schlupp celebrates his solitary Celtic goal in the champions’ 5-2 win over St Mirren in Paisley in March.
Schlupp, who scored one goal in his 15 Hoops appearances, returned south in late May after coming so close to scoring the Scottish Cup winner against Aberdeen with first-time 25-yard drive in extra-time that exploded off the crossbar.
Rodgers’ men, of course, failed in their quest for a sixth treble in nine years in the penalty-kick shoot-out.
Schlupp emphasised his ability with a sound display in Celtic’s 1-1 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena in February, but it now looks as though his future lies elsewhere.
