Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers eager to extend Dedryck Boyata, James Forrest deals

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed his desire to tie Dedryck Boyata and James Forrest down to new contracts at Parkhead.

Both Hoops players are out of contract next summer, with uncertainty continuing to surround the future of Belgium defender Boyata following his World Cup exploits.

"It is great to have Dedryck back," Rodgers is quoted by as saying by The Sun. "He had an excellent World Cup and gained valuable experience. He looks fit and strong but of course just needs a bit of time.

"The talks have been ongoing. I had a long chat with Dedryck yesterday and he is in a good place. We want to keep him for as long as we can, that is important.

"Whether he decides he wants to move on after this year, that will be up to him and his representative. But my priority is getting him fit and back into the team again because he is a top class player.

"In terms of James, he is coming into his final year and he is clearly a player we would love to keep. So I am sure the club will be working with James' representatives to tie him down to a longer deal also."

Celtic's next fixture is the second leg of their Champions League qualifying second round tie against Rosenborg in Norway, which takes place on Wednesday night.