Brendan Rodgers explains Idah and Yang transfer situations

The Celtic manager yesterday made it clear that no players will be allowed to leave until additions are made to the squad. Supporters might argue this should have been the stance the club should have taken before the window started.

Idah has been linked with a £7m move to Swansea ahead of the summer deadline on Monday, but Rodgers downplayed claims of an agreement while acknowledging talks are ongoing.

Speaking at yesterday’s eventful media conference at Lennoxtown ahead of tomorrow’s Glasgow Derby Ibrox, Brendan Rodgers explained:  “There is interest in Adam. But no one can leave here unless we get players in to replace, it is as simple as that. There has been negotiations and chat about it, but I have to have players in here before I can consider letting anyone go.”

When asked about other potential exits, Rodgers conceded there has been interest in Hoops winger Yang, though he remains a player who has not been given the green light to move on.

“I think for the likes of Yang it has been ongoing for him for a little while,” he said. I understand it. When you are a player who has probably been used most as a squad player over a couple of years there comes a point in time when you maybe want to move on and play.”

“But I have been unable to do that because we have needed Yang here. But I also know if he does stay, then he has a contribution to make. There has been interest in him, but I can’t really do anything unless we have players in.”

Questioned if there was any worry about Idah missing the clash with theRangers this weekend, the Celtic boss responded: “I’m quite relaxed on it, I just need to see where we are at over the course of the next couple of days, and we will assess it from there.”

Conor Spence