Celtic are reportedly looking to sign West Ham United striker Veron Parkes and are in ‘pole position’ to sign the player.
Football Insider reports that the Hoops are currently ‘well placed’ to sign the young striker, following reports he has rejected the offer of a professional contract from West Ham. He is now set to leave the London club at the end of the month.
The report claims that the Hammers have failed to persuade Parkes to sign a new deal and the youngster is now set to join another club. A source has told Football Insider that Celtic will offer Parkes a pathway into senior-level football in the future.
How well Jeremie Frimpong has done in his first season at Parkhead has also made an impact on Parkes and his camp. Aside from Celtic, the report claims that Monaco, New York Red Bulls, Fortuna Sittard and Heerenveen are also interested in the 18-year-old.
Parkes had been a regular for the West Ham Under-18s side in the 2019/20 season. He played 14 U18 Premier League games, scoring 11 goals and picking up six assists, also making two Premier League 2 appearances (via Transfermarkt).
Could Parkes be a future Edouard replacement?
Absolutely!
I don't think so
His current deal at the club runs out at the end of the month and as the report says he is set to leave.
TIF Thoughts…
Parkes’ goalscoring numbers in the U18 Premier League are pretty impressive for anyone and that could be a reflection of his quality.
He is only 18 and already showing a lot of potential. If Celtic can get him, they would have a promising talent on their hands. They could loan him out and later bring him into the first team if Odsonne Edouard leaves. The Frenchman has been previously linked with Leicester City and Parkes could turn out to be a reliable replacement in the future if he was to hit the ground running.