DEDRYCK Boyata could be ready to hand Celtic a pre-Scottish Cup final boost by agreeing a new long-term contract at the club.

Representatives of the 27-year-old central defender, who is set to enter the final year of his deal, were talking with the club as early as March about extending an arrangement which is currently due to expire in the summer of 2019, but there was little urgency in those discussions with the player still in the mix for selection for Belgium’s World Cup squad.

The 27-year-old, who has racked up three league titles since joining back in 2015, find out whether he has made the cut for Roberto Martinez’s squad until May 21, but speaking ahead of Saturday’s showpiece, he hinted that he could be ready to pledge his future to the Parkhead side.

Read more: Dedryck Boyata 'ready to sign new Celtic contract'​

“I am in talks with the club,” Boyata said last night. “I have said it before that I am happy here.

“Right now, nothing is done and it’s not like I can actually say what is going to be done,” he added. “But I am in talks and we are trying to find some sort of arrangement.

Read more: Celtic defender Kieran Tierney "flattered" by Atletico Madrid interest but says he could be a Celt for life

“I am happy here. I have been talking a lot with the manager and trying to find a solution.

“I don’t want to say yes and then nothing happens later, but everything is just so positive. I am having a great time.”