Celtic have beaten several of Europe’s elite clubs to the signature of highly-rated youngster Barry Coffey, according to the Daily Record.
The newspaper claim that the 16-year-old has agreed to join the Scottish club on a three-year contract, and will join up with the club’s development squad ahead of the 2017-18 season.
Coffey made a lasting impression whilst playing for Chelsea during a youth tournament in Holland last year, and the reigning Premier League champions were also understood to be keen on a long-term deal.
Premier League rivals Manchester City and Manchester United were also in the hunt for his signature, with Coffey having had trials at both clubs.
But Celtic appear to have successfully fought-off the competition to win the race for the Republic of Ireland starlet, who made his name whilst playing for Nenagh AFC in his homeland.
The playmaker has previously played in experienced life as a player in Scotland, when he travelled with Ireland to the Oriam Training Centre in Edinburgh to face Scotland in the Victory Shield earlier this year.
Coffey’s Ireland won the tournament, which also featured his potential new Celtic’ team-mate Karamoko Dembele, who turned out for Scotland.
The club, however, has yet to provide official confirmation that Coffey has signed on the dotted line.