RYAN CHRISTIE could walk away from Celtic for NOTHING in January next year.
The Scotland international midfielder penned an extension in November 2018 shortly after an explosive substitute appearance in a 3-0 Betfred League Cup semi-final win over Hearts at Murrayfield before scoring the winner in the silverware showdown against Aberdeen on December 2.
It was thought the deal would run until May 31 2022, but, according to a report in the Mail on Sunday, the 26-year-old playmaker will be able to agree a pre-contract in the summer.
That would mean the player who cost £500,000 from Inverness Caley Thistle in August 2015 leaving Parkhead for free at the turn of the year.
UP IN THE AIR…Ryan Christie in a spot of ball-juggling.
The news is certain to alert interested clubs and the Highlander could even use the Euro Finals as a shop window with the Scots due to play the Czech Republic, England and Croatia in June. The talented performer was a star for his nation when he scored for Steve Clarke’s men in the 1-1 draw with Serbia in Belgrade last year to help the team through to their first major finals since the World Cup in France in 1998.
Former Hoops boss Neil Lennon admitted before the turn of the year that talks were ongoing with Christie and his representatives, but the terms remain unsigned and it’s odds on the player will quit the Glasgow club when his deal expires.
Or the Hoops may be forced to accept a bargain fee in the summer.
CUP WINNER…Ryan Christie thumps the ball past Aberdeen keeper Joe Lewis for the only goal of the 2018 Betfred League Cup Final.
He had loan spells back at Caley Thistle and Aberdeen before becoming a regular in late 2018.
Christie’s form, like that of his team-mates, has been disappointing in a season that promised so much in the summer and delivered nothing.
He could be part of the summer rebuild.
