Cameron Carter Vickers in Celtic contract talks as Brendan Rodgers warns transfer suitors off Parkhead 'pillar'

Celtic are in talks with Cameron Carter-Vickers about a new deal as they bid to fend off interest from Premier League clubs.

Hoops gaffer Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Parkhead chiefs have begun discussions with the American centre-back about a long-term contract. West Ham, Brentford and Nottingham Forest have all been linked with a move for the 26-year-old in this transfer window. But Rodgers is adamant he wants to build a side around Carter-Vickers, who joined the club from Spurs in 2022.

The defender’s current deal doesn’t expire until 2026 but Celtic are already moving to tie him down for longer - and kill off any speculation about his future. Rodgers said: “There’s no doubt that Cam is one of the pillars of the team and, of course, we’d want to do that (extend his deal). That will happen in time, I’m sure. There have been talks on that between the club and his representatives so let’s see where it goes.

“From what I’ve seen of Cam, and what I’ve worked with before, he can play at that (Premier League) level. He needed to come away and find the pressures here. But there’s no doubt, especially when I see the likes of Marc Guehi at Crystal Palace because they are similar centre-halves.

“Cam is of that ilk and he has all the tools. But his happiness is here. Him and his partner absolutely love it at Celtic and we would be very keen to keep him here. He’s very important to us. We’ve had a conversation and he loves it here.

“He’s been around a few clubs down south already but he recognises the magnitude of this club. He’s become a winner at Celtic and he’s settled.

“He’s been fantastic for us and Cam is a player I want to keep. I’d seen him at clubs before and it was a challenge for him to break into Tottenham’s