Celtic are desperate to sign highly rated teenager Liam Morrison to a new contract this season to avoid losing him for a bargain compensation fee this summer, according to the Scottish Sun.
The newspaper claim that the 16-year-old is rated as one of the best prospects in Scotland today but that his contract status at Parkhead means that he could leave for a modest amount, handed in compensation, rather than a decent transfer fee at the end of the season.
It is stated that top flight sides from all across Europe are keen on the hot prospect, with Hoffenheim named as a contender from Germany, and that English sides are also looking to pounce before he pens a professional deal.
Opinion
In recent years Celtic have always been a selling club when it comes to Europe’s elite but that has usually been for their established stars, not the next big thing at Parkhead. In fact, the club’s penchant to offload their top stars for big money means that the next generation have always been given a chance to strut their stuff and that might well be Celtic’s argument in trying to keep Morrison on board. It seems as though it could well be a fight for the teenager though and if his head is turned then the Hoops are going to have to settle for whatever compensation fee the decision makers believe he is worth. This is perhaps a sign of naivety from the board, who should have been getting the youngster tied down to a professional contract sooner than now. Instead, they are having to try and fend off interest building from all across Europe, which cannot be helping their cause in negotiations.