Defender Dedryck Boyata has agreed a switch to Hertha Berlin from Scottish champions Celtic.

The Belgian centre back’s contract expires at the end of this season, with Boyata having been out of action since an injury sustained in an Old Firm win over Rangers in March.

Having come close to joining Fulham last summer, Boyata was eventually convinced to remain in Glasgow by former boss Brendan Rodgers.

Boyata – who was part of Belgium’s World Cup squad that reached the semi-finals last summer in Russia – moved to Glasgow from Manchester City in 2015 during Ronny Deila’s tenure and has made 125 appearances for Celtic.

Interim Bhoys boss Neil Lennon had been hoping to convince him to stay in Scotland but Hertha have confirmed their agreement.

“We’ve had Dedryck in our sights for some time and are fully convinced of his qualities,” said Hertha general manager Michael Preetz. “We are confident that he is a real reinforcement for our defence.”

Hertha finished 11th in the Bundesliga this season and the defender says the club did a good job on selling a move to Germany to him when they spoke.

“The club is ambitious and has goals that I stand by and I was very impressed by how Michael Preetz tried to talk to me and showed me a clear plan,” said the 28-year-old.

Celtic will hope they can retain the services of 21-year-old Filip Benkovic, who has been on loan this season from Leicester City, for next term.