Kelechi Iheanacho’s future is still up in the air, but there are growing signs the striker wants it settled with Celtic.
The club had the option to trigger a one-year extension in his deal, but that deadline has now passed. That appeared to cast doubt on his future, although discussions have not stopped.
That will encourage supporters who watched the Nigerian become one of the key figures in the closing weeks of last season.
When Celtic needed goals, Iheanacho delivered. His six goals in the final nine matches played a major part in getting the club over the line in both the Premiership title race and the Scottish Cup. It was an impressive contribution from a player who had spent much of the campaign trying to establish himself.
Most of that impact came from the bench.
That is where the debate around Iheanacho continues. His ability to change games is beyond question after his performances during the run-in, but there are still legitimate doubts over whether he can cope with the demands of starting every week.
Fitness remains the biggest concern.
Supporters have seen what he can offer in short bursts. Whether he can produce that same level over 70 or 80 minutes on a consistent basis is something that still needs answered.
Even so, the commitment from the player appears difficult to ignore.
According to George Tsarouchas, Iheanacho has rejected opportunities to move to both Turkey and Qatar. If that report proves accurate, it says plenty about where his focus is.
There would have been opportunities to secure a lucrative move elsewhere, yet he appears willing to wait while discussions with Celtic continue. That points to a player who believes there is still unfinished business in Glasgow.
His finish to last season certainly backed that up.
Rather than looking elsewhere after helping deliver another league title and Scottish Cup, Iheanacho seems determined to stay and build on that momentum. That attitude will not be lost on supporters, especially after seeing the difference he made when the pressure was at its highest.
Celtic have already tied Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain down to a new one-year contract, and Iheanacho could yet follow the same path.
Nothing has been finalised yet, but the talks are continuing. Given how influential he became when trophies were on the line, there is every reason for Celtic to see if an agreement can be reached before attention turns fully towards the new campaign.
