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Celtic are interested in signing Bolton Wanderers midfielder Luca Connell this summer, according to The Scottish Sun.
What’s the story?
Connell’s contract at the English side expires this summer and with his team having suffered relegation to League One last season amid financial difficulties it looks like he could be set for bigger things.
The paper say Sheffield United, Norwich City and Wolves, all now Premier League outfits, are keen on signing the 18-year-old after impressing on his breakthrough to the Bolton team.
Celtic meanwhile are also interested, states the report, with cross border rules meaning they’d have to pay much less compensation than any English club vying for his signature.
Keith from C’mon the Hoops fondly remembers a true Celtic cult hero in the video below…
How talented is he?
Connell was recently called up to the Republic of Ireland squad after 12 senior appearances for Bolton in the tail-end of last season, impressing with an all-round box-to-box game that exhibited a long-range passing ability and a desire to carry the ball forward into attacking areas.
Clearly he is a talent to keep an eye on in the future and to have multiple, ambitious top-flight teams interested means scouts must see a strong potential in the player.
Where would he fit in at Celtic?
Unfortunately for Connell the Celtic midfield is absolutely jam packed right now, with regulars such as Callum McGregor, Ryan Christie and Scott Brown unlikely to be dropped anytime soon.
When you consider other options like Olivier Ntcham, Tom Rogic and even academy talent Ewan Henderson, there is little scope for Connell’s inclusion in more than a few games across a season.
The Bolton youngster will need plenty of games to progress and further his potential, meaning a Celtic move doesn’t make much sense for the club or the player right now.