Ryan Christie state of play as Celtic rumours swirl with boss Andoni Iraola leaving Bournemouth star with final call

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has admitted he would like to see Ryan Christie extend his contract at the club with the former Celtic playmaker being tipped for a return to Parkhead.

The Scotland playmaker left Celtic for the Cherries in September 2021 in a deal worth around £2.5million. Christie penned a three-year deal at the Vitality Stadium. He has been an ever-present for the club in the English Premier League side this term with the 28-year-old coming off the bench in the the 2-1 defeat to Wolves - which leaves the Cherries in the relegation zone.

Reports south of the border have suggested that Brendan Rodgers could be keen on bringing the ex-Hoops star back to the Scottish Premiership when his contract expires. However, Spanish boss Iraola appears unfazed by the risk of Christies signing a pre-contract agreement elsewhere from January. Asked for an update on Christie's contract situation last month by the Daily Echo, Iraola said: “I think everyone is happy with his performance. Everyone is very happy with his attitude.

"I think he is the kind of character that is good for a team. For sure, if he is performing this way, he will be with us if he wants, for more time.”

For his part, Christie also appeared relaxed about the situation when quizzed last month. He said: I’m more than happy (here). Especially with the baby now, I love living in Bournemouth. It’s a great place to stay and my family is nice and settled as well.

“My main hope is to impress the new boss as much as I can. If that leads to talks about a new contract, so be it."