Celtic manager Ronny Deila has revealed that midfielder James Forrest has rejected a new deal offered by the club, hastening his expected departure from the club.
Despite the Celtic midfielder stating in November that he was ‘pretty confident’ of being offered a new deal, Deila has claimed that Forrest wants to move on.
The 24-year-old’s contract ends in December 2016 and Celtic will inevitably be looking to cash in on the winger during the summer.
Speaking to the assembled media, Deila admitted: “We offered him a contract and he has turned it down. He has told us he wishes to see what his other options are. I cannot see that we will go back to him with another improved deal because to my mind it was a very good offer that the club put to him.”
Forrest made his debut for Celtic in May 2010 against Motherwell and scoring minutes after coming on as a substitute in the 4-0 win. Despite the early promise shown under previous manager Neil Lennon, injuries and a lack of consistency has been a common occurance during his time.
He has made 183 appearances for Celtic scoring 30 times and has won 13 Scotland caps.
