Journalist Pete O'Rourke has provided an update on the future of on-loan Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers...

What's the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected insider has revealed that talks are "ongoing" regarding a permanent deal for the USA international, although the player is believed to be "happy" in his current surroundings.

Asked about the 24-year-old's future, O'Rourke revealed that: “It’s still ongoing, this one. Celtic want to get it done and I think Carter-Vickers is quite happy. He’s enjoying his time up at Celtic as well.”

The on-loan Tottenham Hotspur man joined the club on a season-long loan deal back in August, with the Scottish Premiership outfit including a buy option as part of that switch, which could be worth as much as £10m.

Celtic coup

That news would seemingly represent a major coup for the Glasgow side, with it looking as if they have managed to fend off Premier League interest in the player, as a permanent deal edges ever closer.

A recent report named the likes of Southampton, West Ham United, Everton and newly-promoted Fulham among those potential interested parties, although it looks as if Ange Postecoglou has got his man, with Carter-Vickers finally appearing to have found a settled home.

The Spurs academy graduate has failed to make a single top-flight appearance at his parent club, having been forced to endure a further six loans prior to his move to Celtic Park, although has more than shown his worth in a fine campaign north of the border.

Dubbed "immense" by pundit Chris Sutton, the 6 foot 1 centre-back has been a colossal presence in the Hoops' backline, proving a pivotal asset in their surge towards the league title.

In his 30 league outings this season - all of which have come as starts - the Southend-born ace has kept 16 clean sheets and averaged 1.2 interceptions and 4.2 clearances per game, while also winning an impressive 72% of his aerial duels.

His average match rating of 7.34 is also the sixth-highest among the Celtic squad, with teammate Greg Taylor acknowledging that both Carter-Vickers - and teammate Carl Starfelt - have been a "huge part" of the club's success this season.

In such an attacking side, the £2.7m-rated man copes more than adequately as the last line of defence, while he's also no slouch at the other end of the pitch, chipping in with four league goals this season, including a vital winner in the Old Firm derby back in early April.

The all-round talent looks likely to be able to reproduce the goods next season, all it needs now is for chief executive Michael Nicholson to negotiate the deal.

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