Forrest rewarded with offer of new deal on improved terms

Chief football writer

Friday 28 September 2012

CELTIC have opened talks about a contract extension with winger James Forrest.

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Michael Grant

Manager Neil Lennon revealed yesterday that the 21-year-old was in discussions about a longer deal on improved terms which would be a reward for Forrest's continued good form only 20 months after he signed a five-year contract.

Celtic are also in discussions with Gary Hooper, Victor Wanyama, Charlie Mulgrew and Adam Matthews, but Lennon surprisingly disclosed that Forrest was also in line for a new deal. "Forrest signed a long-term deal last season but we're in talks with him again," said the manager. "We're talking with Adam, Victor, Charlie and Gary, too. These talks are ongoing and we hope to get over the line with all of them. "They are being rewarded for their performances and that's the incentive we give our players. We did it with Biram Kayal and Emilio Izaguirre and we want to do it with these players. We want to make them feel wanted and rewarded for what they have done on the pitch. "Myself and Peter [Lawwell, the chief executive] talked about it at the end of the season. Peter is very suppor-tive on our thinking and it's a club policy now. "It's an investment on the club's part, but I don't see it that way. I see it that these players have done well for me and I want to reward them. "In football, the last year of a contract is academic because if the right offer comes in, we won't stand in a player's way. But we want to create a big club environment here and that's what we are trying to do. "We're trying to build an environment where they are happy. The likes of Scott Brown, Joe Ledley and Charlie Mulgrew all love it here. They don't come to me and say 'I want to go'. They are happy here and enjoying their football and they are not chasing these big, big deals just yet. Negotiations are ongoing so I hope we will have news in the next three or four weeks." Celtic will also consider offering Anthony Stokes a new contract when he returns from injury while Tony Watt and Dylan McGeouch may also be given improved deals. Neil Lennon. Page 5

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Forrest rewarded with offer of new deal on improved terms

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