Exclusive: Celtic ready to blow Rodgers out of the water to land 'Huge talent'
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Exclusive: Celtic ready to blow Rodgers out of the water to land 'Huge talent'

Wayne Veysey
Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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Celtic are ready to make a formal move for Wigan Athletic striker Joe Gelhardt as they look to beat old boss Brendan Rodgers to his signature.

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that the Scottish champions are keeping close tabs on the 18-year-old centre-forward tipped for huge things.

But they face strong competition to land him from elite clubs south of the border, including Rodgers' club Leicester City and big spending Everton.

A Celtic source has told Football Insider that the club are lining up an offer for Gelhardt after Wigan announced earlier this week they have entered administration.

The Hoops know it will take a major bid and contract offer to land the England Under-18 international despite the Championship club's financial troubles.

Neil Lennon and the recruitment team will also have to convince the wonderkid his career would be best served with a move to Glasgow.

It is a sizeable task but Celtic rate Gelhardt highly and regard him as a "huge talent" and capable of going straight into their first-team squad.

Celtic are ready to pull out all the stops as they look to blow Leicester and Everton out of the water.

The Glasgow giants can provide a clear pathway to first-team football in a way the Premier League duo cannot.

They can point to the huge impact made by Jeremie Frimpong in his debut season at Parkhead after quitting Man City to sign on a four-year contract this time last year.

Gelhardt has come through the ranks at Wigan to make 19 first-team appearances in total, 17 of which have come this season.

He signed a new contract last November with Wigan, six months after he had turned 17.

In other Celtic news, Brown raves as the Hoops are in reported advanced talks to sign Premier League winner.

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