Fulham remain keen on Celtic's Boyata

The Premier League side reportedly saw a £9m bid for the defender rejected back in August, but are ready to test the water with a fresh bid in the New Year.

The 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and is believed to have made his interest in a move known to Parkhead chiefs.

That means Fulham could sign the former Manchester City man on a pre-contract agreement at the turn of the year.

However, the 'Cottagers' are thought to be more interested in doing a deal for a lower fee in January in order to be able to call upon Boyata in their battle against relegation.

Despite a summer of spending, Fulham have been shipping goal left, right and centre, though club scouts believe that Boyata could be the answer.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers told the club's AGM this week that the defender is likely to depart in search of a bumper contract.

"He's at the stage where he will assess everything and he is probably going to sign the biggest deal of his life over the next couple of months," Rodgers admitted.