Olivier Ntcham looks certain to return to Celtic this summer after Marseille's president snubbed any mention of the midfielder when discussing transfers and the future of the squad.

Ntcham has had a difficult time in France with the Ligue 1 outfit since joining on loan this season.

Then-manager Andre Villas-Boas was livid the club opted to sign the player without his full backing and it led to his resignation as boss. New head coach Jorge Sampaoli has not provided Ntcham with much game time, either, since taking over with the loanee playing just one minute of football since March.

And, when outlining future plans for the club as well as potential incomings, club president Pablo Longoria made no mention of the Hoops man. Though he seemed to wax lyrical about everyone else. "On the Milik question, or the questions on the transfer window, it is difficult to make categorical decisions," he said.

"For Milik, it is a loan with obligation to buy and a payment in instalments. It is almost impossible for Milik to return to Napoli. We have control of everything when it comes to Milik but for a transfer in modern football there are three parties: the player, the selling club and the buying club.

"The player is happy to be here, but in the market everything is open especially with a player like Milik. We are going to have a very complicated summer market but the player's desire is to extend with OM.

"We have a lot of players on loan and at the end of their contracts. We have to build a squad with new players in a lot of positions. It is necessary to give profiles adapted with the game of the coach.

"We're working a lot ahead of the transfer window. Names will come out in the press. We are going to create a mix of experienced players able to withstand the pressure and young people.

"For Lirola and Balerdi, we'll discuss with their agents. You have to find a balance between the seller and the buyer. We are very happy with Pol and Leo."