Celtic midfielder Daniel Kelly looks set to leave the club, with reports suggesting that Millwall could be his next destination. [Record Sport] The 18-year-old rejected a new contract offer from Celtic earlier this summer, and with his current deal set to expire on December 31st, he has been exploring other options.

Kelly, who has been with Celtic since a young age, has been a highly-rated prospect within the club’s youth ranks. However, his decision to turn down a contract extension has left the club in a difficult position. With just a few months remaining on his contract, Kelly is now free to speak with other clubs about his future.

It is understood that Millwall have expressed strong interest in securing Kelly’s services. The English Championship side are reportedly keen to sign Daniel on a pre-contract with a view to moving in January once his Celtic contract expires. However, it would likely be best for the player and Celtic if an arrangement could be made before the close of the summer window.

After Brendan Rodgers learned that Kelly would not be signing a new deal, the youngster was swiftly excluded from the first-team squad. Instead of joining the squad on their pre-season trip to America, Kelly was sent back to the B team. This move signalled the club’s intent to focus on players committed to their long-term plans, leaving Kelly out of the first-team picture.

For Celtic, the potential departure of Kelly is a blow. The club has invested time in developing the young midfielder, and they will be disappointed to see him leave without making a significant impact on the first team. However, the reality of modern football is that players and agents are often looking for the best opportunities, and it appears Kelly sees his future away from Parkhead.

From Kelly’s perspective, a move to Millwall could offer the chance of regular first-team football, something that might have been harder to come by at Celtic given the competition in the midfield. Millwall, currently a mid-table Championship side, may see Kelly as a valuable addition to their squad as they look to push up the league.

If a deal is agreed, it will be interesting to see how Kelly adapts to the demands of Championship football. His departure will also serve as a reminder to Celtic of the challenges in holding onto young talent in a competitive market.