Caley Thistle youngster Ryan Christie is looking to stay at Inverness despite rumours linking him with a move to the English Premier League.
Manager John Hughes recently admitted he believes it is a matter of time before the Highland club lose the 20-year-old to a club south of the border and a number of English Premier League clubs have watched him in recent weeks and are believed to be considering a move for the attacking midfielder.
Reports in the Sun today suggest that Aston Villa, Everton, Newcastle United and Swansea City are all competing for Christie’s signature, with Caley Thistle believed to be looking for £1million for their star man.
However, Christie is in no hurry to leave the club he joined as a young boy.
Responding to the transfer rumours, Christie said: “Right now I’m staying in Inverness, I was born in Inverness and right now I have a good base of people around me.
“I’m learning my trade in football and there’s no better place to do it in Inverness and under John Hughes.
“My mind’s on Inverness just now, this season and next season. I’ve still got plenty of learning to do in the Scottish Premiership.”
Such is Christie style of play on the pitch and good manners off the pitch, he has often been compared to Sporting Lisbon youngster Ryan Gauld and he admits he would love to match what the former Dundee United kid has done so far in his career: “If I can go on and achieve what Ryan Gauld has then I’ll be more than happy but right now I’m concentrating on Inverness.”
Christie is expected to line up for the Caley Jags against Aberdeen this afternoon.