Liverpool agree terms with Celtic academy centre-back Dara Jikiemi | OneFootball

Liverpool have agreed terms with Celtic academy centre-back Dara Jikiemi, according to the Secret Scout.

The reputable source for youth football and transfer news has claimed the 15-year-old was excluded from international games this week due to his impending move.

Jikiemi has impressed for Celtic at youth level and was widely tipped to break into the first team of the Scottish Premiership club in the near future.

However, he will now link up with Liverpool and will be keen to himself as a Premier League star in a couple of years from now.

The Reds signed 17-year-old attacker Rio Ngumoha from the Chelsea academy last year, and he has since made his first team debut under manager Arne Slot.

Brexit and the Premier League’s financial rules have made home-grown players valuable, and while Jikiemi does not currently qualify as one, he would if he stays with Liverpool until he is 21.

Nottingham Forest have also been linked with the highly-rated Celtic youngster, but Reds have won the race. The move is expected to be wrapped up in the coming days.

Jikiemi can also play in midfield due to his ball-playing skills, and the Hoops are losing a player with huge potential. They will receive compensation for the teenager.

The Liverpool-bound teenage sensation will have to sign scholarship terms before he is eligible to sign his first professional contract.

Celtic have been losing gems from their academy ranks to the big clubs in the Premier League, and more exits could be on the cards in the coming months.