Celtic have opened negotiations with Greg Taylor over a new contract, as the Hoops look to secure the futures of several first-team players at Parkhead, according to the Daily Record.
Taylor is one of many set for talks with the Glasgow outfit, after Callum McGregor agreed a new deal. The Bhoys captain put pen to paper on a five-year contract in September, despite his previous terms expiring in 2024.
Several Celtic players now want to follow McGregor in securing their futures at Parkhead, including Taylor, with talks already underway. Initial discussions have raised the potential for a new two or three-year deal featuring a pay rise for the 23-year-old.
Taylor still has 21-months remaining on his current £8.2k-a-week deal in Glasgow, signed after joining from Kilmarnock in 2019. Celtic paid the Rugby Park outfit £2.2m to finalise a Deadline Day transfer for the left-back, ending weeks of speculation.
He has since established himself as the Hoop’s first-choice in the role and been a key player for Ange Postecoglou. Taylor has started each of his 11 appearances across all competitions since the Australian took charge at Celtic this summer.
But Postecoglou has been without Taylor for the Bhoys’ last three Premiership fixtures and both Europa League group stage ties. The Scotland defender aggravated a shoulder injury and required surgery, and is unlikely to return until the end of November.
Does Taylor deserve a new contract at Celtic?
Taylor is among the lower-earners in the Celtic squad on his current contract, per Salary Sport, despite his key role. The Greenock-born full-back is an ever-present fixture in the Hoops’ defence when fit, and has provided two assists over his 11 outings so far this term.
He also created seven goals and scored one over 32 outings in all competitions last season. Having overcome competition for minutes from former loanee Diego Laxalt, who arrived in Glasgow from AC Milan for the year.
Neil Lennon sought to hire the Uruguayan to push Taylor to perform at his best while in charge at Celtic. Even though Taylor had already pleased the Northern Irishman with his efforts during his tenure.
“I thought Greg Taylor was tireless tonight,” Lennon said, via the official Celtic Twitter feed, in February 2020. “I thought he had a great game.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
