Celtic must cash in this January if another big money offer comes in for Boyata

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Celtic desperately want to keep Dedryck Boyata this January. And if he departs, it would leave a major gap in the defence.

But Celtic cannot resist big money offers for Boyata like they did in the summer.

This summer, Boyata was attracting interest from a host of clubs. This included Fulham, who had a £9m offer rejected by Celtic.

Celtic are unlikely to receive a £9m offer for Boyata again but any sizeable bids must be seriously considered.

The Belgium international is in the final year of his contract and is not showing any signs of signing a new deal.

If he still hasn’t committed his future to Celtic by January, it is time to cash in on Boyata to avoid losing him on a free in the summer.

Without the 27-year-old, Celtic’s options look weak. Kristoffer Ajer is more than competent but he would need a new first-choice partner if Boyata goes.

Jack Hendry’s form has been poor, Jozo Simunovic has suffered injuries, while Filip Benkovic is still raw and unproven.

And Marvin Compper has played just one game since joining Celtic last January.

Boyata is a vital cog in Brendan Rodgers’ plans. But it would be foolish to allow him to leave for nothing.

Any big money bids should be reluctantly accepted and reinvested in a long-term replacement.