Celtic have made a move to sign reported Rangers target Luca Connell from Bolton Wanderers this summer, according to the Scottish Sun.
The newspaper claims that Neil Lennon is keen to bring the 18-year-old to Parkhead, after he made a big impression with the financially-stricken Trotters towards the back end of the season.
Earlier this month the Daily Mail reported that Steven Gerrard’s side were targeting the midfielder. However, the Hoops have now moved to steal the teenager away from their fierce Glasgow rivals.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, Norwich City and Sheffield United have all taken an interest in the player and are ready to pay a compensation fee. Celtic, though, wouldn’t have to pay as much as Connell would be moving away from England.
Good move for Celtic?
In a word, yes.
Connell was hugely impressive for Bolton in extremely difficult circumstances this season and is clearly a very bright young prospect. It’s not often that you get the chance to sign a youngster with as much potential as Connell for so little money. The player has opted to represent the Republic of Ireland internationally, too, perhaps strengthening his desire to move to Parkhead.
If Lennon can deal a blow to Rangers with his pursuit of the teenager then all the better, although that won’t be his primary motivation here. Connell is a fine player in his own right and would help reinvigorate this Bhoys team ahead of the new campaign.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Well, it seems as if it’s entirely down to the player. Whether Connell, having experienced English football, would be prepared to give that up for the Scottish champions remains to be seen, especially when he clearly has other options.
The three Premier League teams will obviously provide stiff competition, so this is far from a done deal. However, if you don’t buy a ticket you can’t win the raffle, so we’ll see what happens.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10