KV Oostende have opened talks with recalled Scotland star Jack Hendry over a permanent summer switch.
The on-form Celtic defender is currently on-loan with the Belgian shock troops, who are pushing for a Champions League spot.
Hendry, who was recalled to the Scotland team for the first time in three years this week for the World Cup qualifiers against Austria, Israel and Faroe Islands, has been one of the top defenders in Belgium this season and has attracted a flood of interest from top clubs in England, Russia and Germany.
Oostende have a pre-agreed fee with Celtic, as part of their season-long loan agreement, and have first option on the defender.
That agreement has to be finalised over the coming weeks and Oostende are looking to take it up.
Oostende Executive President Gauthier Ganaye said:“It is no secret that it is a loan with an option.
“We have the option to make it permanent before the summer.
“I am very hopeful that will happen.
“We are very happy with Jack and he is one of the reasons why the team has been doing so well this season.
“We have ambitions between now and the summer and then we want to strengthen again for next season and we want Jack to remain a big part of things.”
If Oostende can’t agree terms with the 25-year-old then he will return to Celtic, where he still has another year left on his contract.
Hendry was signed from Dundee by Brendan Rodgers in 2018. He went in and made an immediate impression but then lost his place after he played on with an injury.
The centre half was then sent out on loan to Melbourne City last season but suffered a serious knee injury in only his second game.
He remained surplus to requirements under Neil Lennon and went to Belgium where he has starred, ironically as Celtic have struggled for genuine quality in the centre of their defence.
