The Hoops face the prospect of another talent leaving to move south of the border
Dara Jikiemi
Liverpool have promising Celtic youngster Dara Jikiemi high on their summer radar. The Scotland youth captain has impressed the English champions.
Anfield academy chiefs are pushing to do a deal for Jikiemi. Scouts have watched him in action in his age group for club and country and the teenager has caught the eye.
Celtic chiefs are already aware of Liverpool ’s growing interest. The teenager can sign professional forms with Celtic at the end of the season.
If he was to move south, Celtic would only get training compensation for the years that he came through their system. He would also have to sign a scholarship in England before he was able to sign his first professional contract.
English Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest have also been watching him closely. Jikiemi also offers versatility as he can play as a central defender or a midfielder.
It is an increasing issue, the number of academy talent that Celtic are losing to clubs down south. Liverpool previously signed Scotland international Ben Gannon-Doak from Celtic before they sold him to Bournemouth in the summer.
Other youngsters like Conall Glancy have gone to Tottenham Hotspur, while Daniel Cummings moved to West Ham United. Aidan Borland previously moved to Aston Villa and Rory Mahady to Leeds United.