Report: Club will consider Celtic bids for £11m man, but he could sign new contract instead

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Sampdoria are keen to find out how much Celtic are willing to pay for Omar Colley but, according to Calciomercato, the coveted centre-back is happy in Italy and could open talks over a new contract.

He may be 27 and at the peak of his powers but it seems this well-travelled defender is in no rush as he weighs up his next move.

Colley is a man who tends to take his time.

He only arrived in Italy after honing his talents in Finland, Sweden, Belgium and his homeland of Gambia, and the 6ft 3in centre-back isn’t exactly pushing for a new adventure after two years at the Luigi Ferraris.

A move to Celtic will appeal, of course, given the guaranteed silverware and chance to play European football.

But reports in Italy say that despite interest from the Scottish champions, Colley is willing to open talks over a new deal. That will be music to Samp’s ears given the market value of their prized asset will soon depreciate with only two years remaining on his contract.

However, Calciomercato adds that Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero is willing to sell if he receives an offer he can’t refuse.

The Serie A outfit wants to know how far Celtic are willing to go, with Colley’s release clause just shy of £11 million.

The Scottish Daily Mail (10 September, back page) suggests the Glasgow giants will only consider a club-record signing if Kristoffer Ajer, their much-admired centre-half, packs his bags between now and the October deadline.