Kelechi Iheanacho officially became a free agent at the end of June after Celtic allowed the automatic one-year extension in his contract to lapse, leaving his next move undecided as pre-season gets underway.

Despite his current situation, Iheanacho has made clear where he wants to be, saying he hopes to agree a fresh deal with Celtic rather than move on. His preference comes after an impressive first year at Parkhead, where he scored nine goals in 24 appearances across all competitions and became one of the club’s most reliable options off the bench, contributing to a domestic double of the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup.

His form was especially sharp in the closing stretch of the season, when he scored six goals in his final nine matches, including a dramatic stoppage time penalty against Motherwell that underlined his value as an impact substitute.

Celtic’s hesitation over a new contract appears to be tied to fitness concerns, with hamstring injuries interrupting parts of his campaign and raising questions about his ability to stay available across a demanding schedule that includes both domestic and European commitments.

With no agreement in place, other clubs have moved to explore the situation. Turkish side Bursaspor are reported to have held talks with his representatives and tabled an offer, while Samsunspor and Besiktas are also said to be monitoring developments. Brazilian club Vasco da Gama have reportedly made a proposal too, though Iheanacho is said to be prioritising a move that keeps him in European football for now.

Adding another layer to the story, former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie said on his podcast that he had heard talk in Ireland suggesting Iheanacho had already agreed a new one year deal, a claim he was careful to stress was only a rumour rather than confirmed fact. Neither Celtic nor Iheanacho’s camp have announced any such agreement.

Celtic, meanwhile, continue building their squad for the new season. The club have confirmed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will stay for another year, while Colombian forward Camilo Duran is reportedly close to finalising a move to Parkhead. Martin O’Neill’s side begin pre-season with a friendly against Shelbourne.