TOM ROGIC could be set for a lucrative move to the MLS if he does not sign a new contract with Celtic.
We understand that several clubs in the United States have recently expressed an interest in the 23-year-old Australian midfielder whose immediate future remains uncertain.
And they would be ready to pounce at the end of this season if a deal could not be agreed between player and the Parkhead club.
Rogic is under contract until next summer, but would be sold before then if the only alternative was the club losing him 15 months from now for nothing.
The MLS has grown into a powerful league and for many of the franchises, money is not a problem, and so they would be able to offer him a enticing package.
A number of British-based scouts have been alerted to Rogic's position and have been at recent Celtic games to watch the playmaker.
Celtic are keen to keep a player who has been a real find of this season, albeit he has at times struggled for fitness and consistency, and opened talks with his agent towards the end of last year.
There are no less than 16 midfielders in the Parkhead first-team squad and half a dozen could be sold in the summer; however, Rogic would be one how was wanted by Ronny Deila, if the Norwegian hangs around.
Rogic felt the need to go public last month when he was linked with a move away from Glasgow and, it should be noted, has never hinted that he did want to end his time in Scotland.
He said: “I know there was a story suggesting that I want to leave Celtic. This is simply not the case at all.
“I am really enjoying my time at Celtic and I am proud to be part of such a great football club.
"I want to extend my contract with Celtic. I am speaking to the club just now and hopefully this will be agreed very soon.”
Rogic's Celtic career was almost over a year ago when a succession of injury problems meant he didn't play a single game for the club.
However, he has been one of Deila's better performers over the season, which is why talks have opened in the hope he will pledge his future to Celtic.
At 23 his best years should be ahead of him, especially if he can stay free of the injuries which threatened his career.
Celtic's away league match at Dundee has been changed and will now take place on Tuesday, April 5 with a 7.45pm kick-off.
The original game was postponed twice, initially on December 30 for a waterlogged pitch and then because of Scottish Cup commitments.
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