DEDRYK BOYATA is in a strong position to negotiate a new Celtic contract after playing his part in Belgium’s successful World Cup campaign.

The defender has a year left on his Celtic deal and talks last season ended in a stalemate between the club and Boyata’s representatives.

Since then, there has been a plethora of clubs looking into the possibility of signing the double treble winner.

The latest report linking Boyata with a Parkhead exit claims newly promoted Premier League side Fulham are in the market for the towering centre-back and will offer him a bumper £50kpw deal.

This is money Celtic could not, and should not compete with if the reports are true.

Of course, if Boyata does leave this summer it will cost any club who want him a decent transfer fee.

Brendan Rodgers has spoken many times about not standing in the way of players who want to move on to earn more money or look for a new challenge.

The pragmatic Irishman knows he won’t always be able to keep the players he would like at the club but it’s worth noting Rodgers himself still believes Boyata will re-sign with Celtic.

If Boyata does sign up for ten in a row, it will most certainly be on a new and improved deal. Celtic need to strike the balance between how much the player is worth and bridge the gap sensibly between what a Premier League club can offer him.

Dedryk is currently on holiday after starring in Belgium’s World Cup campaign.