Ryan Christie is in top form for Celtic and League One Sunderland were reportedly interested in the summer.
With Ryan Christie in top form over recent weeks, the Sun (12 November, page 62) reports that a whole host of clubs from south of the border are keen to sign the highly-rated Celtic midfielder.
Fortunately for Brendan Rodgers, however, the in-form 23-year-old is set to bring an end to speculation over his future by extending a contract that was due to expire at the end of this season.
Christie has scored three goals in his last four games and played the full 90 minutes in the 0-0 draw against Livingston on Sunday, completing an unexpected U-turn in Celtic colours. Just weeks ago, it seemed that his future lay away from Parkhead.
But it remains to be seen which clubs will be left frustrated by Christie’s sudden emergence as a key player. Sunderland were keen to sign the former Inverness youngster in August, according to the BBC, and it would have been little surprise if Jack Ross’s side were at the front of the queue again.
The Black Cats are on the up under Ross, three points adrift of league leaders Portsmouth with a game in hand. And, while there are other areas of Sunderland’s squad in greater need of reinforcement, a player of Christie’s class and creativity could provide that extra spark that makes the difference in tight games.
Former St Mirren manager Ross knows how good he can be from his time in Scotland. But do not expect Christie to go anywhere soon, with Celtic keen to tie him down.
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