Liel Abada Celtic transfer exit talk quashed as Brendan Rodgers slaps not for sale sign on winger

Brendan Rodgers insists Liel Abada is on the list of Celtic stars who are not for sale in January.

The Hoops winger is a target for several clubs in England but Parkhead chiefs have yet to receive an official approach. Defender Yuki Kobayashi is set to be allowed to go – with US sides Real Salt Lake City and FC Dallas in the hunt. But Rodgers is determined to keep hold of Abada, along with main men such as Matt O’Riley.

There are fears the Israel winger could be looking for an exit with pressure from his homeland amid the Middle East conflict and pro-Palestine protests in the Celtic Park stands. Rodgers has held talks with the 21-year-old and the wide man received a warm welcome on his return to the side from injury before the winter break. The Hoops boss sees Abada as a key part of his plans and any attempts to land him will be resisted – just like the approach from Atletico Madrid for O’Riley.

Speaking before Cameron Carter-Vickers signed a new five-and-a-half year deal, Rodgers said: “There’s nothing on Liel. I know there has been stories generated for whatever reason around him, probably trying to second guess what has been going on with Liel.

“It’s very, very simple. Liel was out injured for a long period of time, he has gone back in, and again he is a player I am excited to work with, that I can improve. He’s a player that I spoke to very early on, and he comes to me and we speak, and his focus is very much on being here at Celtic and developing.

“Now, it’s natural with the difficulties that are happening in his homeland, you can’t ignore that. But he’s not someone that we want to sell. He’s a real integral part of what we want to do here, and I’ve always said before when the availability of players is there