CELTIC are reportedly preparing for the departure of a Stuart Armstrong by firming up their interest in Hibs start John McGinn.

Armstong has one-year left on his Celtic deal and reports over the weekend suggest the midfielder and the club are no closer to a new deal at present.

This has put a number of Premier League and Championship sides on high alert as they look to make a swoop for the former Dundee Utd man.

With that in mind, Brendan Rodgers is not wasting time in finding a replacement for Stuart should he go.

Its no secret Celtic have a major interest in John McGinn and the player’s in a similar situation to Armstrong – coming into the last year of his deal with Hibs.

Celtic believe they can convince Hibs and the player his future lies at Celtic Park.

Celtic will ask for a reasonable figure for Stuart Armstrong should they sell him and it’s likely that any money raised in that deal will more than cover the outlay for McGinn.