MUCH of the transfer focus at Celtic has gone on keeping defender Virgil van Dijk at Parkhead.

But Ronny Deila is also turning his attention to try and keep his centre-half partner Jason Denayer in Paradise along with him.

The Manchester City man is due to go back to the Barclays Premier League champions at the end of the season when his loan deal expires.

The Belgian has shown just why he was touted for big things at a young age with several composed displays in green and white, something which has been rewarded by recognition at international level.

And Deila has revealed he is confident that the talented 19-year-old's loan stay in Paradise may be extended into the new season.

He said: "I hope to do that [Keep Jason].

"He is in good development here. He hasn't played a lot of matches at the top level and when you are in good flow you should keep doing it to go to the next stage.

"When he is ready for that he will go on but it's also important for us to have consistency going into next season as well."

A big part in making that deal happen is keeping club chiefs at City happy with his progress.

Denayer has already played Champions League qualifiers and Europa League group games, a world away from the sheltered life of a reserve team player.

There is also the progress which has been made by fellow Manchester City player John Guidetti since he arrived at Parkhead to show there is potential to prosper under Deila.

All of these things will play a part in keeping Denayer in Glasgow beyond the summer, and the Celtic manager is sure the English giants will be pleased with their young defender's progress.

"I have a good feeling," he said.

"City are cooperating very well with us, I've done that with them for many years and this has been a happy relationship so far.

"We really want to do that in the future as well.

"I have contacts of course there. It's good communication with them."

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