Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has praised Chelsea youngster Dominic Solanke, but stopped shot of confirming that he wants to take the 19-year-old to Parkhead, instead saying it is unfortunate the "big talent" is likely to not continue at Stamford Bridge.
Rodgers worked with Solanke at youth level and knows the striker well, something which has given rise to talk that the Scottish champions could move for him in the summer window.
Solanke has not put pen to paper on a new deal at Chelsea and could well be on the move in the summer – and Rodgers thinks the youngster has had a good career so far, with it being unfortunate he looks set to quit the Blues.
"I'm delighted for him and the career that he's had up until now as a young player", Rodgers told a press conference.
"He's a fantastic talent but [I will say] no more that. I only speak on him because I know the player", the Celtic boss continued.
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"He's a big talent and it's unfortunate that he's maybe not going to renew his contract at Chelsea because it's a great club but he obviously deems that his future lies elsewhere.
"Apart from that, nothing else to add. I can see where there's maybe a connection with him but nothing more than that."
Due to Celtic being in Scotland, they could sign Solanke for a vastly reduced compensation fee, if they can tempt the 19-year-old north of the border.
Solanke has had to make do with Under-23s football in the current campaign, with no senior appearances under Antonio Conte clocked up.
