Celtic target Xavier Mbuyamba has revealed he may stay in his Dutch homeland rather than move abroad as he prepares to seal a transfer from Volendam.
The Hoops have been linked with a move for the 21-year-old central defender, who has been likened to former Celtic star Virgil van Dijk after an impressive season.
Watford have also been mentioned and several top Dutch clubs including Ajax have been credited with an interest in Mbuyamba, who was released by Chelsea last year, after they had previously snapped him up from Barcelona.
He seems certain to quit the modest Eredivisie club this summer, even though he is under contract for another two years.
And he's dropped a hint about his future destination.
He said: "The transfer window is not over yet and there are clubs who are interested, I don't deny that.
"But for now I just focus on FC Volendam.
"I'm not going to name any clubs who want me, but of course, it has to be a good step up.
"I'm not going to a comparable club or make a very small step upwards.
"But I don't necessarily want to go abroad. The Netherlands would be good for me."
It comes as Ray Houghton insisted Brendan Rodgers should keep faith in injured winger Mikey Johnston.
The 24-year-old will be out until October due to a back problem.
“He reminds me of Aiden McGeady when I watch him," said Houghton. "He is someone with a bit of ability about him, who is always looking to take players on. He is very positive, he excites you, he gets you on the edge of your seat.
“I know he has had his injury problems and they have probably hampered him over the last two or three years, but he has done well for Ireland. For a lad who has only recently come in to the Ireland set-up, he has fitted in really well. He looks like he is very confident in what he is doing.
“And the Ireland manager Stephen Kenny certainly likes him. That can sometimes be half the battle for a young player. You need someone to back you and he has got that."
