Celtic are in talks with Cameron Carter-Vickers about a new deal as they bid to fend off interest from Premier League clubs.
Hoops gaffer Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Parkhead chiefs have begun discussions with the American centre-back about a long-term contract. West Ham, Brentford and Nottingham Forest have all been linked with a move for the 26-year-old in this transfer window. But Rodgers is adamant he wants to build a side around Carter-Vickers, who joined the club from Spurs in 2022.
The defender’s current deal doesn’t expire until 2026 but Celtic are already moving to tie him down for longer – and kill off any speculation about his future. Rodgers said: “There’s no doubt that Cam is one of the pillars of the team and, of course, we’d want to do that (extend his deal). That will happen in time, I’m sure. There have been talks on that between the club and his representatives so let’s see where it goes.
“From what I’ve seen of Cam, and what I’ve worked with before, he can play at that (Premier League) level. He needed to come away and find the pressures here. But there’s no doubt, especially when I see the likes of Marc Guehi at Crystal Palace because they are similar centre-halves.
“Cam is of that ilk and he has all the tools. But his happiness is here. Him and his partner absolutely love it at Celtic and we would be very keen to keep him here. He’s very important to us. We’ve had a conversation and he loves it here.
“He’s been around a few clubs down south already but he recognises the magnitude of this club. He’s become a winner at Celtic and he’s settled.
“He’s been fantastic for us and Cam is a player I want to keep. I’d seen him at clubs before and it was a challenge for him to break into Tottenham’s team. He probably needed to find a home and he’s had that here.”
Rodgers is desperate to hold on to the likes of Carter-Vickers and Matt O’Riley in January, despite both attracting attention from England.
And the Celtic gaffer has also hinted that he’s keen for on-loan Portuguese ace Paulo Bernardo to sign for the club permanently. The 21-year-old has excelled in recent weeks but is due to return to Benfica at the end of the season.
Celtic have an option to buy Bernardo for an agreed fee, which remains unclear. But Rodgers has revealed for the first time that it’s a deal that CAN be done – and he praised the youngster for his performances at Parkhead.
He said: “I’m delighted with the emergence of Paulo. There is an agreement with the club, an option for us to activate that, if we want to do it.
“He came in and gradually he has learnt the principles of our play. Leading into the Rangers game last month I knew he was going to start and we wanted to give him a run of matches. He’s been fantastic.
“And he has got an old head on young shoulders. He’s a top professional. I can see him emerging and growing now as a person, feeling more confident amongst the players.
“He now has real clarity in how we play and how we work – and you see his game flourishing. He’s been excellent and I expect him to get better.
“We’ll assess it. I’ll sit down with him at some point towards the end of the season and take it from there. Do we know the fee involved? Yeah. But clearly the player would have to agree as well, it’s a two-way situation.
“But I can see Paulo is really enjoying his time here. He is improving and developing. Is the fee realistic? I’m not going to say what it is but, absolutely, otherwise it wouldn’t be in place.”
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