Brendan Rodgers responds to Alex Valle Barcelona return talk as Celtic boss issues Johnston contract update

Brendan Rodgers insists he hasn't heard anything over a potential early exit from Celtic for loan star Alex Valle - as the Parkhead boss admitted he is keen to tie Alistair Johnston down on a new deal after Record Sport exclusively revealed an extension is close.

Speculation over a January return to Barcelona emerged from Spain with the La Liga giants apparently looking to break the season-long loan agreement with the Scottish champions early. The full-back - who has stepped up and put in some big displays in the absence of Greg Taylor over the past couple of weeks - is viewed as a key player by his current club boss and not one he would want to lose.

Rodgers is adamant the defender is really enjoying his time in Glasgow and picking up experiences of playing domestically in the Premiership and also on the big stage in the Champions League. The Celtic boss has suggested it could be put down to :rumours and gossip" kicking in with the winter window not too far into the distant future. Asked about the chat over an early break in his 12-month agreement, the Celtic boss told Sky Sports: "Not that I am aware of, no and nobody has told me any different.

"I suppose we are getting to the stage that rumours and gossip and everything kicks in leading into January. But I know Alex has really, really enjoyed his time here both on and off the pitch.

"He's obviously a very important player for us so we wouldn't want to lose him. And I think the experiences he is getting here both in the Champions League and domestic football. I think he's really enjoying his time here."

We revealed on Thursday that full back Johnston is edging closer to a new deal and Rodgers said: "We are obviously very keen to do it. Naturally he is playing at a