The Manchester Evening News has suggested that James Trafford, Liam Delap and Cole Palmer could be part of Ange Postecolglou’s new look Celtic side.
Yokohama Marinos are part of the City Football Group with the links with Celtic cemented by Mark Lawwell, son of Peter as Scouting and Recruitment at City.
Since Ronny Deila arrived at Celtic there has been a steady stream of players heading north either on loan or permanent transfer with the majority making a positive contribution.
John Guidetti and Jason Denayer were first to make the move, followed by the highly popular Patrick Roberts who was followed by Olivier Ntcham, Jeremie Frimpong and Daniel Arzani.
Postecoglou will be looking for players in all positions with the Manchester Evening News reporting:
City and their manager have shown a willingness to send players out to clubs or managers that they have faith in; Marcelo Bielsa was entrusted with Jack Harrison at Leeds while Tony Mowbray’s Blackburn have brought on defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Postecoglou’s arrival in Glasgow could see Celtic come under consideration: as well as the pressures that come for playing at a big club challenging for trophies in a passionate footballing city, and the prospect of Champions League or Europa League football, a football philosophy from the Guardiola textbook would make Celtic an attractive option again for the Blues.
Young goalkeeper James Trafford is among the next batch of City youngsters certain to go out on loan next seasons, while decisions are still to be finalised on a number of others including Liam Delap and Cole Palmer.
A search is also underway to appoint a new Under-23s coach after Maresca left after just one year in the role. Former West Ham assistant Maresca impressed from the off and led his side to their first-ever Premier League 2 triumph. Celtic were among the clubs keen on appointing the Italian, who will instead lead Parma in Serie A next season.
Do you think Ange Postecoglou will win the 21/22 SPFL Premiership title?
Yes, I'm all in, the bounce back is underway
No, Ange is walking into a club in turmoil
At the age of 18 goalkeeper Trafford would be an unlikely arrival at Celtic, in an ideal world an experienced commanding figure like Fraser Forster would be brought in.
Delap, son of Rory, is an 18-year-old striker but has played one match for City in the EPL.
Midfielder Palmer turned 19 last month and has been capped by England from u-15 through to u-18.
