The Bhoys midfielder is out of contract next summer.
Celtic’s Stefan Johansen
Celtic midfielder Stefan Johansen looks set to remain at Parkhead – at least for the time being – Turkish reports claim.
The Norwegian has attracted interest from Galatasaray of late, with an initial £1.1 million bid reportedly lodged.
Having entered the final year of his contract, Johansen is said to have been valued at £1.5 million by the Bhoys (Scotsman), but according to Turkish media outlet Fotomac the figure is in fact double that.
Levent Nazifoğlu, a spokeperson for the Super Lig side, is quoted as saying: “We first approached Celtic with a figure of €1.3 million (£1.1 million).
“If this figure is accepted the transfer takes place. It’s impossible to give the figure they say.”
Celtic paid £2 million for Johansen in 2014, with the 25-year-old going on to be crowned PFA Scotland Player of the Year the following spring.
Despite a disappointing second season, the Bhoys are said to have offered Johansen an extension on his deal, which the player is yet to accept.
And manager Brendan Rodgers told the Daily Express last week that while he would like to keep his number 25, it wouldn’t make sense to lose him on a free transfer next summer.
“The club has to protect itself. If a player clearly doesn’t want to be at a club and has a year to go, the market will tell you that you have to sell that player.
New Bhoys boss Rodgers
“There are very few players who will be allowed to run their contract through to a free. That doesn’t make any sense.
“We’ll see what happens. It is speculation but he is a player I’d like to keep for sure.”
Another key midfielder, Tom Rogic, is also out of contract in a year’s time.
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