DEDRYCK BOYATA'S father has revealed his son will leave Manchester City next week and hinted strongly that the Belgian could be heading for Celtic.
The defender has been linked with a move to Parkhead after talks between the clubs last month and flew into Glasgow last night ahead of a medical.
Boyata, 24, who is out of contract after nine years at City, has never made any real breakthrough and is expected to be unveiled today as Ronny Deila's first signing of the new season.
His father, Bienvenu Boyata, told a Belgian TV show: "He signed for Manchester City in 2006 and if I could turn back the clock, I would not let him do it again.
"He should have stayed in Belgium and developed more before moving to a bigger club.
"It is clear he won't stay at Manchester City and he does not want to stay. They want to extend his contract, but that will not happen.
"A certain club have shown interest in Dedryck and have reached agreement with City. It will be made official next week. What club? I can't say but let's just say he will remain in Britain."
Boyata has made just 13 starts for City. He has one cap for Belgium having come on as a substitute in a 2010 game against Austria, but hasn't featured since.
Boyata's fellow Belgian Jason Denayer, meanwhile, has given Celtic a glimmer of hope that he may yet return to Parkhead next season after revealing he might wish to go back out on loan.
He is also a Manchester City player and has been tipped to challenge for a first-team place with the deposed English champions after his performances for Ronny Deila's side.
However, while preparing for Belgium's Euro 2016 qualifier against Wales a week on Friday, Denayer said: "I don't yet know what the future holds for me next season.
"I am preparing to play with Manchester City but it is very important to me to play and gain experience.
"I've had a great season playing first-team football at Celtic against good players.
"Of course I know only too well that the competition at City to win a first team place is fierce and no guarantees can be given.
"So perhaps next season it will be best for me if I go and gain experience elsewhere again."
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