Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says he is still remaining hopeful Dedryck Boyata will sign a new contract before his deal runs out at the end of the season.

Boyata’s future at Celtic has become increasingly uncertain with the defender, who joined the Scottish champions in 2015 from Manchester City, having just over eight months left on his current deal at Parkhead.

The 27-year-old was linked with a move away from the Bhoys in the summer and his absence from the team for a Champions League qualifier at the start of the campaign was questioned.

Premier League strugglers Fulham were claimed to have had a £7million bid rejected for the Belgium international in the previous transfer window and the Cottagers could return in January with another offer.

Discussions over a new deal are said to be ongoing although talks are not believed to be progressing well, leading to suggestions he will leave on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.

However, Rodgers, who has also been linked with a return to the Premier League, is still optimistic the centre-back will put pen-to-paper on a new contract.

He said: “There is always a possibility (of Boyata staying), but we just have to see. It is between him and the club.”

Celtic racked up their third successive win in all competitions on Saturday after thrashing SPL leaders Hearts 5-0 to move to within one point of top spot.

The Bhoys return to action on Thursday for a crucial Europa League clash at home to RB Leipzig and the hosts are 3.80 to clinch the win, a draw is the same price whilst the visitors are 1.85 favourites to claim the spoils.