Further information has emerged regarding the future of Celtic duo Rocco Vata and Daniel Kelly amid their contract situations at Parkhead.
Regarded as one of Lennoxtown’s brightest talents, Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Vata has attracted interest from the likes of Lazio, Torino and Watford among others amid his deal in Glasgow being set to expire at the end of the season.
The Glasgow-born youngster netted his first senior goal for Celtic against Buckie Thistle at the start of the year; meanwhile, he has hit 14 goals in 24 appearances across various competitions this term, combining senior and youth level [Transfermarkt].
Moving on, Kelly also registered his maiden strike against Dundee for the first team back in February, and has cut an impressive figure during some fleeting cameo outings.
Nevertheless, he is also available to leave in December if he doesn’t agree to a prolonged stay at his boyhood team, something he rejected earlier this month after initial talks surrounding an extension. Nevertheless, according to Anthony Joseph, both parties were in favour of a contract renewal.
Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig have been attentive to his situation; however, fresh developments have now emerged regarding the academy graduates.
Celtic ramp up their attempts to keep Rocco Vata and Daniel Kelly
According to The Daily Record, Celtic have put enhanced four-year deals on the table to try and tempt Vata and Kelly to stay at Parkhead.
On one hand, Vata is set to be a free agent next month. At the same time, Kelly’s contract expires at the tail end of 2024, which could enable him to enter talks over a pre-contract move in 2025.
The outlet state that Celtic would only inherit a small compensation fee of around £300,000 for Vata, who has also been the subject of attention from Serie A outfit Bologna.
Either way, the Hoops would like to keep hold of the pair to develop them into potential first-team regulars in years to come.
Brendan Rodgers previously referenced the duo as part of his wider aim to promote academy players while at Celtic, stating: “You see the likes of Danny Kelly and Rocco Vata. Rocco hasn’t had a lot of opportunity, but at least he is now training with us every day, he is in the squad and he is showing up so, so well.
“I am sure there will be other players who will come through. That is the key point of my time here (to bring players through).”
Hopefully, Celtic can get Vata and Kelly tied down to new deals as the manager continues to lay out a roadmap for the long-term.