We always knew that the summer of 2021 had the potential to witness a mass exodus for Celtic.

However, for the time being, the Hoops have managed to keep some of their star men at Parkhead.

What’s the word?

Kristoffer Ajer continues to be at war with the club over his future at Paradise but his future looks as though it could be sorted soon.

He was angry with the Bhoys for backing down on promises and not allowing him to leave this summer but they've finally caved in and accepted an offer of £13.5m from Brentford.

Odsonne Edouard has also been tipped to head for the exit door but one player that we thought was never in danger of leaving was Callum McGregor.

However, according to Mark Guidi, there is a chance he could head south of the border.

The reporter was speaking on Go Radio and shared the following news about McGregor’s future:

“Some people have told me that Callum McGregor still has an itch to go down south and try the English Premier League, which is totally understandable.

“Now, and if that’s the case, then there needs to be an honest conversation with him and with his representatives. An approximate transfer fee would need to be established, but maybe the captaincy will swing it, maybe it won’t.

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“Maybe he’ll just think if ever there was a time to leave the club, in terms of everything happening, then it will be now.

“He did fancy it, a couple years ago, Brendan Rodgers would have taken them in a heartbeat but Celtic sold Kieran Tierney. I think if he became available, then Brendan Rodgers would certainly have a tickle. I’m just giving out information that I’m aware of.”

Big blow

After the departure of Scott Brown to Aberdeen it would be an almighty blow to lose McGregor as well.

The central midfielder has been tipped to be the new club captain and within just a few days of being at the club, Ange Postecoglou hailed the Scot as an “outstanding” footballer.

With that in mind, the new head coach clearly rates him. His performances have also been solid in pre-season as well.

That comes after McGregor impressed for Scotland at Euro 2020, scoring the nation’s only goal in a defeat to Croatia.

The 28-year-old was relatively inconsistent last season, something his mindless red card against Rangers back in May told us. Already on a booking, the Scot dove in on Glen Kamara after just 26 minutes and was given his marching orders.

That said, he is a leader of men and someone the young players coming through can look up to.

If McGregor does head for the departure lounge, it would surely come as a frustration to fans as well.

They’ve been speaking highly of him in pre-season with a number of supporters hailing the midfielder for his performances. After the 0-0 draw with Bristol City, one fan said he looked sharp and should be back to his best next term.

Another individual claimed he was superb against the Robins while others praised his captaincy material.

Consequently, the Hoops would be foolish to sanction an exit. They must keep him in Glasgow for at least another season.

AND in other news, Celtic begin talks to sign "talented" £2.2m-rated machine, Ange really needs him...