Iheanacho could be off to Turkey after Glasgow Celtic stall on renewing his contract

KELECHI Iheanacho could be on his way to Turkey soon as several Turkish clubs have expressed an interest in signing him following the expiration of his contract at Glasgow giants Celtic.

Iheanacho, 29, helped Celtic to win a domestic double last season, after joining as a free agent at the behest of then manager Brendan Rodgers, who needed another striker after the transfer window had shut. They had both worked together before at Leicester City and after underwhelming stints at Sevilla and Middlesbrough, Kelechi was clubless, so the two of them teamed up again.

After enjoying a good campaign last season, current manager Martin O'Neill is said to be keen to retain Iheanacho's services but the two sides are yet to reach an agreement. Kelechi was absent as the Scottish champions returned to Lennoxtown for pre-season preparations, despite the fact that he is keen on staying at the club.

However, no formal discussions have taken place over a new agreement, increasing uncertainty over whether the striker will continue his Celtic career. With Iheanacho now a free agent, Turkish clubs have already begun presenting lucrative offers as they look to secure his signature.

Interest from other clubs across Europe is also growing, leaving Celtic under pressure to act if they want to keep hold of their title-winning forward. Apparently, the deadline has been and gone for the club to trigger the extension clause on the Iheanacho's initial deal which took him to Parkhead last summer.

According to the Scottish Sun, Kelechi is back in Nigeria training on his own, with his future prospects in limbo. With Turkish clubs now entering the equation things might become more difficult should O’Neill prompt the Celtic board to sign Iheanacho again for next season.