Rocco Vata sees Celtic contract talks ramp up as rising star priority revealed amid transfer interest

The teenager has suitors in Italy but the Parkhead side have knocked back any approaches so far.

Celtic are set for further contract talks on Rocco Vata later this week.

Parkhead chiefs have been in constant dialogue with the young striker’s representatives at CAA Base in recent weeks and days. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has also spoken personally with the teenager in a bid to get him to sign a new long-term contract. Vata returned to the Celtic first-team at the weekend and scored his first senior goal in the Scottish Cup victory over Buckie Thistle.

Rodgers claimed after the weekend that contract talks had been opened but warned that Vata will have to work hard to become a top team fixture. The Hoops have made it clear they want to extend Vata’s current contract beyond the summer. They are looking to progress those talks this week, with Vata keen to sign a new deal knowing there is a pathway to the first-team. The Republic of Ireland under-21 cap has already been the subject of approaches from Italian clubs Bologna and Coma and is wanted by Sampdoria.

The Italian interest was brought through CAA Base powerbroker Frank Trimboli and taken directly to Celtic. The Hoops have turned down all approaches and made it clear they want Vata to extend his stay.

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