Celtic Scout Tottenham Hotspur Midfielder Ahead Of A Potential Summer Move: Why The Hoops Must Get It Done | OneFootball

In one of his recent podcasts, journalist Pete O’Rourke revealed that interim Celtic manager Martin O’Neill was keen to watch the rising midfield prospect Alfie Devine ahead of a potential summer transfer. The veteran Northern Irishman was spotted at Deepdale during Preston North End’s recent encounter against QPR, with the Tottenham Hotspur loanee being the centre of attention, as revealed by Football Insider.

The 21-year-old England youth international progressed through the academy ranks of Liverpool and Wigan before joining Spurs’ reserves. He scored on his senior debut in an FA Cup tie, but has since travelled across the country as well as abroad on loan for regular gametime. However, injuries slowed down his progress during the 2021-22 season, thus limiting his minutes to just another FA Cup appearance the following year.

Devine spent the 2023-24 campaign across Port Vale and Plymouth Argyle in the English League One and Championship, respectively. He impressed in the Belgian top division last season with Westerlo, but returned to his homeland in the summer ahead of a season-long loan switch to the Lilywhites.

Devine’s Flexibility Would Bolster The Bhoys

Although Preston are heading towards a midtable finish, the Englishman has lived up to the expectations with 8 goals and 4 assists [stats via Transfermarket] in 40 league outings. Predominantly a ‘number 10’, the youngster exhibited his expertise as a ‘number 8’ as well as a deep-lying playmaker. O’Neill must have been impressed by Devine’s display, as he laid it on for Brad Potts to earn his side a lead in their 1-1 draw with the Rs, but a summer move would depend on many factors, including Tottenham’s top-flight status in the wake of a relegation threat.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 03: Alfie Devine of Preston North End is challenged by Patson Daka of Leicester City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leicester City and Preston North End at The King Power Stadium on April 03, 2026 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Celtic would not only undergo a squad overhaul but also find O’Neill’s successor once again after a failed attempt with Wilfried Nancy. But the gaffer is helping the board to find suitable targets to bolster certain areas, thus identifying the Spurs starlet, who would add more firepower in the middle of the park.

Why Celtic Need Reinforcements In Midfield

The Hoops currently have Luke McCowan, Paulo Bernardo, Reo Hatate, Arne Engels and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as the box-to-box midfield options. But a few exits are on the cards, particularly Hatate, Bernardo and Engels, for their lack of form, gametime and a strong transfer interest, respectively. McCowan is viewed as a squad player, and the club have yet to decide whether to trigger Oxlade-Chamberlain’s one-year extension clause beyond the ongoing campaign.

A relegation could see Spurs retain Devine in their battle for immediate promotion. But their survival might serve as a blessing for the Bhoys, as the North Londoners would prefer to negotiate, either a loan or a permanent exit, for their academy graduate. Devine’s technical excellence, vision, set-piece attributes, versatility, shooting and playmaking traits should strengthen the Scottish champions, and the talks are likely to intensify in the coming days, unless the focus shifts to other midfield targets before the season concludes.