As reported by The Daily Mail, Leigh Griffiths has authorised his agents to begin discussions with Celtic about signing a new long-term deal with the club.

What’s the story?

Despite injury issues and having to compete with the likes of Moussa Dembele and Odsonne Edouard, Griffiths is seen as a key member of Brendan Rodgers’ squad by supporters, who recognise how effortlessly he finishes chances on a regular basis.

Now he’s set to sign a new deal with the club, enthusing about the chance to continue playing for the Hoops, despite reported interest from the likes of Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion.

As quoted by The Daily Mail, Griffiths said:

My representatives are working behind the scenes to try and get me a new deal. I have another two and a half years here, but why would you want to go anywhere else?

You are playing at a top club with a top manager in front of 50,000 or 60,000 every week. There’s no reason to go anywhere. You have Champions League football every season. It’s harder to get there now – but when you do get there, those are memorable nights.

It is early stages just now, but, hopefully, we can get it done sooner rather than later.

The Scotland international certainly appears eager to commit, which will be pleasing to hear for fans. Can he continue his excellent goalscoring form for years to come?

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How important is he to Celtic?

With 12 goals this season despite limited appearances, Griffiths has again shown he will always deliver for the Hoops whether first-choice, returning from injury, not fancied by his manager or coming off the substitute’s bench.

This season’s haul has brought his total tally at Celtic to 97 goals and he’s rapidly closing in on becoming the first Hoops striker since John Hartson to net 100 goals at the club.

With the likes of Moussa Dembele linked with big money moves away, Celtic will always need someone reliable like Griffiths to call upon and handing him a new long-term deal is something they should look to sort out as soon as possible.