Celtic icon John Hartson has expressed his belief that midfielder David Turnbull’s time at the club may be drawing to a close, with a January transfer increasingly likely.

Despite a more regular presence in the team this season under manager Brendan Rodgers, Turnbull’s future at Celtic remains uncertain.

Turnbull, whose contract is set to expire next summer, has not yet committed to an extension with the Scottish champions and there aren’t any signs that he’s planning to.

The 24-year-old, formerly of Motherwell, has faced challenges in securing a consistent starting position, constantly getting rotated with Bernardo and Holm while Reo Hatate is sidelined with injury.

As the January transfer window approaches, Turnbull can engage in discussions with other clubs. Hartson, speaking on Go Radio, suggested that Celtic might prefer to get some cash for Turnbull during this window rather than risk losing him without a fee in May.

“Sometimes the writing can be on the wall. I like David Turnbull. He’s one of those players who can come back with double figures and are worth their weight in gold.

“Whether or not Brendan has got different ideas in terms of bringing in another midfielder or the other players he’s got at the football club, with Reo Hatate still to come back, who knows? I like the lad but it looks like the writing is on the wall.

“I don’t think Celtic have offered him a new contract, or maybe they have and he’s turned it down. I don’t know. He’s in and out isn’t he? He’s not one of your McGregors or O’Rileys. He’s out for a week and then comes back in and gets taken off. So my immediate thoughts are he’s one of the players they would look to sell in January.”

He’s a good player, there’s no doubting that, but many believe he just doesn’t have the quality that Celtic needs to progress, especially in Europe.