With the Coronavirus pandemic hitting clubs’ finances hard in the last 12 months, teams will be looking for bargains wherever they can find them.
Whilst most European contracts run until the end of seasons – and some transfer-related sites have suggested Christie’s deal will not conclude until late May 2022 – it has been reported the 26-year-old will be out of contract in January.
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This means one of Scotland’s heroes from their Euro 2020 qualification campaign would be available to sign a pre-contract agreement in the summer or if Celtic don’t want to lose him on a free, then they may decide to cash in for a cut-price deal.
Earlier this season, former Celtic boss Neil Lennon admitted Christie – who has played in central midfield, on the right and up front this season – was keen to move at some point in his career.
Lennon said: “Ryan has said he would like a different challenge at some stage in his career. Talks are ongoing between the club and his representatives.”