Ryan Christie 'to sign new Celtic deal'

Ryan Christie is on the verge of agreeing a new long-term contract with Celtic, according to his father.

Christie will see his existing deal with the Scottish champions expire at the end of this season.

However, the 23-year-old is currently in talks with the Hoops over an extension, with the player desperate to extend his stay with the club despite a host of interest.

"The talks about a new contract have been positive. All things being well, it will be done soon. I think the manager is going to speak to Ryan one-to-one this week," The Sun quotes Christie's father, Charlie Christie, as saying.

"Ryan's surrounded by top quality players. He loves it at Celtic. He's been given a chance by Brendan Rodgers and he's responded. That was very important.

"Brendan's spoken about the need for a big-game personality, that bit of gallusness, puffing your chest out and grabbing a game by the scruff of the neck.

"Ryan did that as a sub in the Betfred Cup semi-final against Hearts. The fans are now seeing a lot more in him than maybe they did at first. Other clubs are interested - but Celtic are his first choice, no question."

Christie, who joined Celtic from Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2015, has scored three times in 13 appearances for the Scottish champions this season.