Callum McGregor has Celtic transfer exit snub pitched by 3 VIPs as Brendan Rodgers maps out Saudi masterplan

Brendan Rodgers plans to fight for the Saudi Pro League title with Al-Qadsiah amid speculation over a move for Celtic skipper Callum McGregor . But the Parkhead captain has already been urged to turn down the chance to leave Glasgow's East End by a host of club legends. Reports have suggested that the Irishman wants the Saudi club to launch an ambitious bid to sign McGregor. It would be the second time he's tried to lure the 32-year-old away having made efforts to sign him for Leicester City in 2019 - and he now has the mega-money backing of the Saudi Pro League side. Celtic are expected to fight to keep McGregor if a money-spinning offer from the Middle East does come his way as the midfielder has two years to run on his contract. McGregor has attempted to cool speculation about his future in recent months, but after he changed agents to be represented by Unique Sports Group - the same agency as Rodgers - the rumour mill has been sent into overdrive. McGregor has been told by former teammate Scott Brown he should stay at the club: “I think you need to keep Callum McGregor in that team. Keep Callum no matter what. "Because Callum knows the club, knows what it’s all about. He’s won so many trophies over the years and he’s missed the reliable. And I think that’s a big thing." Johan Mjallby reckons Martin O'Neill can't afford to lose the skipper: "It's not by accident that Celtic have won five-in-a-row. They are good champions, win trophies on a regular basis. "Callum McGregor is a brilliant captain and leads by example. Kieran Tierney is also a top player and a leader. "You add in James Forrest and you have a hard core of guys who know what it's about and know when to delver and how to deliver." And while Parkhead icon Paul Lambert doesn't think the player is "irreplaceable" he has warned the club don't have a replacement ready: “Nobody’s irreplaceable There’s no natural successor to Callum at the club. There needs to be a long-term plan, unless they have somebody coming through the academy." Speaking in Girona at Qadsiah's pre-season training camp, Rodgers admits he is eyeing silverware - and wants to "reintroduce his principles" to new recruits and returning players. After finishing fourth last term, he said: "We have established a very good base over the last six months. "Now we come here to prepare the team to take the next step. Obviously, next year we have four opportunities to win a cup (championship), and we would very much like to be able to achieve that. "We will also reintroduce our style of play and our way of working; we have some new players coming in, and they have some loaned players coming back. So, it is about reintroducing a lot of the principles of our game." Get Daily Record Premium for just £1 per month in an exclusive offer to celebrate the World Cup. Click HERE .