Report: Celtic hope to keep Dedryck Boyata despite Lazio interest

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Celtic are reportedly hoping that they will be able to keep Dedryck Boyata at Parkhead despite links with Serie A giants Lazio.

According to a report from the Daily Record, Celtic are still hoping that they will be able to tempt Dedryck Boyata to agree a new deal at Parkhead despite reports from Italy suggesting that a potential £6 million bid could be on its way.

Boyata has endured a fairly difficult time with the Hoops, having never quite managed to establish himself as an automatic starter in Brendan Rodgers’ side. He did make 28 league starts last season, but came in for a lot of criticism throughout the campaign and only showed glimpses of his best form.

However, the 27-year-old has played both of Belgium’s World Cup group games so far, and Italian outlet Radiosei is now reporting that Lazio are preparing an offer that could be worth around £6 million.

And with the Record reporting that he has one year remaining on his contract, Celtic would perhaps be forgiven for seriously considering letting the centre-back leave – and some of the fans may well back them if they decide to cash in. But it would appear that that may not be Celtic’s plan at all.

According to the Daily Record, Celtic still hope to agree a contract extension with the former Manchester City ace once talks resume following the World Cup. It is also noted that they are yet to be contacted by Lazio so far, but the Hoops are determined to fight off any interest.

Given that Boyata was not always the most convincing player in Rodgers’ squad last term, it is a tremendous show of faith in the Belgian to look to snub all offers and get him tied down for longer.

The Record alludes to the fact that Celtic are on the verge of selling Stuart Armstrong for £7 million before the final year of his deal, so perhaps Boyata may feel that the ball could be forced into his court if a bid comes in, as making it clear that he wishes to leave will put Celtic in a similar position to the one they found themselves in with Armstrong.