Celtic have sanctioned midfielder Olivier Ntcham’s departure this month, according to the Football Insider. The website claims the Frenchman has been given permission to find another club before the January transfer window closes.

Four teams are said to be in the running for the 24-year-old, with Southampton reportedly leading West Brom, Marseille and Lyon in the race for the player after previous dealings between the two clubs.

Ntcham is valued at around £12m by the Hoops but the fact that the former France Under 21 international is in the final eighteen months of his contract means the club may have to accept a lower figure.

The midfielder has struggled for form this season, having scored just one goal and contributed two assists in 23 appearances. He has barely featured since the beginning of December, having picked up a knock before having to quarantine following his return from Dubai, along with 13 other members of the first-team squad.