Olivier Ntcham’s comments are surely a hint that he will stay at Celtic

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Olivier Ntcham has told Celtic’s official website that he cannot wait to return to training with the Scottish champions and getting back on the pitch – suggesting that he is set to remain with the Hoops, amid reports of a swap deal.

Ntcham, 24, has been a key member of the Celtic side under Neil Lennon this season – clocking up 38 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals and laying on another four assists. He has a contract at Celtic until 2022.

The former Manchester City and Genoa midfielder has been repeatedly linked with an exit. West Ham, Porto and French clubs have all been linked – with the Scottish Sun recently claiming Southampton were interested.

Indeed, the report stated that Ntcham could be included in a deal for Celtic to sign Fraser Forster permanently. But the Frenchman’s latest comments suggest he is focused on returning to action for Celtic, rather than leaving.

“I’m looking forward to training, first of all, and then I’m looking forward to play again and hope everything is going to start soon. It is a big target but we have to look from game to game,” Ntcham said.

“First of all we have to start the season and then we can start talking about scoring goals and playing the beautiful game, but I hope everything’s going to be right in the future and everyone will be able to enjoy the games again.”

TBR’s view – Celtic have got to do everything to keep Ntcham

Even if the French star is earning a huge £35,000 a week, as per the Sun. Ntcham has shown he can score goals and create from the middle of the park, as well as offering central midfielder versatility.

Indeed, Ntcham can sit deep and even replace Scott Brown when the skipper is unavailable. Box-to-box seems like Ntcham’s preferred style, but his ability to score and create could see him play in a 10 role.

Instead of cashing in on Ntcham or even using him as a makeweight in a deal for Forster, Celtic need to keep him.