Celtic target Aissa Laidouni says he’s staying put at Ferencvaros

Celtic target Aissa Laidouni has slammed the door shut on any possible move to Parkhead – because he wants to play in Europe this season.

The Tunisian midfielder impressed during the World Cup and the Hoops have been credited with being the leading pursuers of the 26-year-old, who plays for Ferencvaros.

The Hungarian club’s chief executive, Pal Orosz, revealed last month that they would not be willing to let Laidouni go for less than 10 million Euros, around £8.7 million.

Ferencvaros are on their winter training camp in Spain and have a Europa League campaign to look forward to, having topped their group ahead of Monaco, Trabzonspor and Red Star Belgrade.

They are also eight points clear with two games in hand on top of the Hungarian League. And Laidouni has now confirmed he has no intention of leaving the Budapest club this month.

He said: “I feel good at this club. I have a great relationship with my team-mates. We are so close it is like we are all brothers.

“The only thing I am thinking about with regard to my future is the Round of 16 in the Europa League with this club.

“It would be huge for us if we were to advance to the next round.

“I won’t be going anywhere. We are a good team with great players, I believe we can achieve more good results this season in both competitions.”

Meanwhile, Scotland international Lewis Morgan has just signed a new three-year deal with MLS side New York Red Bulls.

The 26-year-old signed for the Big Apple club last year after two years at Inter Miami.

Former Celtic and St Mirren star Morgan impressed his club so much after netting 14 goals last term he’s been handed a new and improved deal after just a year.

New York Red Bulls Head of Sport Jochen Schneider said: “We are extremely happy to be able to sign Lewis to a new contract.

“He had a tremendous first season with us, where he was a main contributor for the club, and we are excited to keep him at the club.”

And boss Gerhard Struber added: “Lewis Morgan was a very important player last season.

“He is a great player and person, who we are very excited to have with us and help us accomplish our goals for this season.”

Morgan collected the last of his two caps in 2018 during Scotland’s tour to South America and made his debut in a defeat in Peru.