Celtic keen to fight off competition to sign 51-goal youth striker | OneFootball

Celtic are reportedly facing competition to sign striking starlet Shay Reid from Cliftonville. The striker had trial spells with the Scottish Champions but his attacking prowess has alerted other potential suitors, meaning that Brendan Rodgers’ side may face competition for the young man’s signature.

N Ireland outlet The Newsletter has claimed that there are a number of teams vying for Reid’s signature, especially after a blistering season in youth football.

The 16-year-old topped the U20 Premiership Development League goalscoring charts last term, netting 23 times in 32 matches as well as impressing at U18 level too, scoring a further 21 goals across 25 appearances.

Preston North End and Hollywood-backed Wrexham are both interested in the player. The Championship sides have had to look to talent from Scotland and Ireland in the wake of Brexit but Celtic should be confident in the fact that they have two former League of Ireland players in and around the first team with two ex-N Ireland players – Niall McGinn and Paddy McCourt – making the grade at Celtic.

Celtic will need to strengthen in a number of first team positions but they will also require to add to their development squad to build strong pathways towards the first team. Rodgers will know that the club need to sign an established striker with Mathias Kvistgaarden the favourite to join on a deal worth in excess of £10m.