OPINION
Celtic can land another smash hit from south of the border if they beat Spanish big guns Valencia to the signing of Fulham teenager Tyrese Francois.
The best deal of the Brendan Rodgers era was the one that took Moussa Dembele from Craven Cottage in the summer of 2016 as the Hoops took advantage of cross-border rules to land him for a peppercorn fee.
Now Celtic are in the running to land another soon-available Fulham youngster bursting with potential.
Sky Sports report on their live transfer blog (Tuesday, 10.40am) that Valencia are hoping to sign Francois on a free transfer when his contracts expires at the west London club in the summer.
It is said that Celtic and Crystal Palace are also keeping close tabs on the Australian 18-year-old, who is a versatile midfielder who can operate in defensive and more attacking positions.
Francois’ contract situation certainly makes Fulham vulnerable to losing the latest gifted product of their consistently productive academy, run by the masterly Huw Jennings.
Celtic can use their Glasgow geographical advantage to secure what could be another plum signing from Fulham.
Chief executive and transfer negotiator Peter Lawwell’s reputation has taken a hit following mixed recruitment in recent windows amid thinly-veiled criticism from Brendan Rodgers about the deals being done.
Lawwell would seal a blinding deal by beating Valencia to the capture of Francois.