Celtic are closing in on a deal to sign Billy Gilmour.
The Sevco wonderkid has attracted attention from across Europe with strong claims that he is on his way to Chelsea.
Gilmour won’t make a decision until he turns 16 in June but after third party talks he has indicated a willingness to switch to Celtic.
Joining the hoops will give the 15-year-old the Champions League environment to develop in and also provide him with the financial security not on offer at Ibrox.
Gilmour’s family have been concerned about sending the young striker down to London but a move to Celtic and a new family home in Coatbridge would allow everyone to stay together.
While financial details about the deal are being kept top secret Gilmour’s mum was swayed by the offer of back-stage tickets to meet Rod Stewart at the Hydro concert next month to honour the Lisbon Lions.
Scotland’s new Performance Director Malky Mackay spoke out recently about the benefits to the player of staying to develop his game in Scotland, few at Ibrox believed that was a hint towards joining Celtic.
Since Sevco were formed in 2012 only Barrie McKay has come through the ranks but at Celtic Gilmour can look at the examples of Kieran Tierney, Callum McGregor, Liam Henderson and James Forrest to see a first team pathway.
Seeing their pride and joy playing in Champions League qualifiers for Celtic will be a bitter pill for Ibrox fans to swallow but that will be cushioned by a massive cash injection coming in from from wealthy Arab owners scheduled for mid July.
Staying tight lipped about the deal, last night a spokesman for Celtic admitted: “Here we go, ten in a row.”
