Celtic face competition from Stoke City for the signing of Michael Harris.
The 19-year-old striker has yet to make the first team breakthrough at Derry City but has turned down a new contract with the League of Ireland side in order to move on elsewhere.
Harris would go straight into the Celtic B team that is playing in the Lowland League but with that agreement only for this season future development could be an issue although the B team could be playing again in the Lowland League next season.
The Irish Examiner reports:
The League of Ireland could lose another of its teen stars during this window, with Derry City striker Michael Harris attracting interest from Celtic and Stoke City.
Donegal native Harris has turned down a contract extension from Ruaidhrí Higgins to remain for the club’s 2022 title bid amid approaches from UK clubs.
The forward has been tracked by suitors while impressing for the Candystripes’ U19 side last season, crowned by scoring the deciding penalty in the EA Sports Enda McGuill Cup final win over Bohemians.
Celtic have already shopped in the north-west this month by recruiting Johnny Kenny from Sligo Rovers for an initial fee of €150,000.
Unlike his fellow attacker, though, Convoy native Harris is out of contract and therefore won’t command a fee for Derry City, only the Fifa compensation liable for a player aged under 23.
Over the last 15 years Celtic have signed Niall McGinn, Paddy McCourt and Michael Duffy from Derry with varying levels of success.
With Johnny Kenny and Liam Scales signed this season it is clear that the hoops have stepped up their scouting operations in Ireland.