Celtic are looking to tie down youngster Ben Doak to a new long-term contract, according to former Bhoys striker John Hartson.
The Lowdown: English duo keen on Doak
The Hoops were quite productive on transfer deadline day when it came to outgoings, with Osaze Urhoghide, Adam Montgomery and Kerr McInroy all sealing loan moves away.
Doak was attracting interest from both Liverpool and Chelsea late in the January window but recently made his senior debut for Celtic.
He came off the bench on Saturday in the dramatic 1-0 win over Dundee United, and it seems as if the club are desperate to keep hold of a player who Ange Postecoglou called ‘fantastic’.
The Latest: Hartson’s comments
Hartson, who regularly features on BBC Radio 5 Live, was talking to The Go Radio Football Show, as relayed by Vital Football.
The Welshman labelled Doak an ‘unbelievable talent’ and added on-air that the Hoops are trying to tie the youngster down to a new deal, saying:
“He’s one of Jackie’s as well. He’s building them up is Jackie Mac my old roommate.
“Apparently he’s an unbelievable talent and highly rated at Celtic.
“They are trying to tie him down to a longer contract, Ben Doak.
“So as I said, he is another one like the boy Dembele who came through very, very young.
“But Celtic think very highly of him. I can tell you that.”
The Verdict: Next five months will be key…
It’s good to see that the Hoops are looking to keep Doak at the club and managed to retain his services beyond the January transfer window.
Various matchday squad inclusions and his debut may have contributed to him staying put in Scotland for now, but the next five months could be crucial in regards to his long-term future.
Hopefully Celtic will finalise a new deal for the youngster before the summer, because if they don’t, the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea could come calling once again.
In other news: Celtic received 11th-hour bid for ‘explosive’ ace but Nicholson stood firm
