Moussa Dembele urged to stay at Celtic by John Hartson

Former Celtic forward John Hartson has urged Moussa Dembele to stay at Celtic Park for at least one more season.

The France forward moved to Celtic from Fulham for £500,000 last summer and enjoyed a sensational first season in Scotland, scoring 32 goals as Brendan Rodgers' side claimed an unbeaten domestic treble.

Sky sources understand AC Milan are hoping to lure Dembele to the San Siro ahead of next season and have already begun talks over a deal to sign him.

Dembele has three years remaining on his current contract and Hartson is convinced the 20-year-old would benefit from staying at Celtic rather than leaving for another club.

"He is absolutely idolised at Celtic. He scored a hat-trick against Celtic's biggest rivals, Rangers, and that's not happened for several years," Hartson, who 109 goals in 201 appearances for Celtic, told Sky Sports News HQ.

"He's a real fans favourite and you have to wonder, where else would he play his football where he would get that adulation. He cannot even come into the city and have a meal!

"The fans really take the players to their hearts and he's got that at Celtic Football Club. He's young and I personally feel, if I was his agent or advisor, he would benefit massively from having another season at Celtic.

"He would score lots more goals and get the chance to play in Europe. I think even the buying clubs would also benefit from Moussa having another season at Celtic, but I am not his agent."

Sky sources understand Celtic are closing in on the signing of winger Jonny Hayes after agreeing a deal with fellow Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen for the 29-year-old.

With winger Patrick Roberts expected to return to parent club Manchester City following the conclusion of his 18-month loan, Hartson has welcomed the addition of Hayes to the Celtic squad.

"Jonny Hayes is a very good player. He's tricky, he plays wide, he can go past a player, he can score a goal and he's certainly one of Aberdeen's best player. Aberdeen will certainly be disappointed about losing him," Hartson said.

"But when Celtic come calling, it's very difficult for Jonny to turn that type of opportunity down.

"It looks like Celtic are going to lose Patrick Roberts. He's been fantastic for the past two seasons on loan from Man City. It looks like he's going back down the road, so Jonny Hayes is that wide man that can create chances for the front players."