Celtic told Tottenham will accept £6m Alfie Devine offer as 'hijack' on the cards

Celtic have been told Tottenham Hotspur will accept offers between £4-6million for Alfie Devine this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

This comes after Preston North End opted against triggering the option to buy in his loan deal, which was worth £4.5million, while Spurs are still open to his sale.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a strong loan spell at Deepdale last season, notably attracting interest from Martin O'Neill, who made multiple trips to watch him in person.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Tottenham will not stand in the way of Devine leaving, placing Celtic on high alert.

The fee will likely be seen as achievable for the Scottish champions, who are determined to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the new season.

Devine's performances for Preston have placed him high on Celtic's list, and they are now believed to be lining up a move to lure him away from North London.

Could Celtic make a move for Alfie Devine?

Football Insider revealed on 3 July that Celtic are plotting a move to sign Devine and are assessing what it might take to reach an agreement with Tottenham.

O'Neill is a big fan of the midfielder and has been the driving force behind their pursuit since before he was handed the permanent manager's job at Parkhead.

He is now keen to see the club step up their transfer plans, and Devine could be the first name through the door if they are willing to part with £6million.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "He's a player that obviously Celtic have been tracking for a while.

"Martin O'Neill and his coaching staff have made regular scouting trips to watch Devine in action for Preston last season.

"It does look like Tottenham would be willing to let him move on a permanent basis for the right offer.

"Preston had an option to make that deal permanent for around £4.5 million, again which hasn't gone through yet, so that's opened the door for Celtic to make a move or potentially hijack a deal.

"It would be a similar figure for Celtic, probably around £4-6million for Tottenham to let Devine move on this summer.

"So I'm sure Martin O'Neill, if there's opportunity to sign something like the Devine, it's something that he would hope the club would go forward with because he ticks a lot of boxes for Celtic."

Why is O'Neill such a big fan of Devine?

Celtic's interest in Devine first became clear when O'Neill was spotted at Deepdale earlier this year, sparking speculation about which player he was casting his eye over.

The midfielder had been a standout during his loan spell with Preston, and in a position which has become key for Celtic in recent transfer windows.

Football Insider revealed in April that O'Neill has been watching Devine closely, alongside members of the Celtic recruitment team, with a potential summer deal in mind.

Concerns about their current midfielders including the long-term futures of Callum McGregor, Arne Engels and Reo Hatate could force them into the transfer market.

Regardless of any departures, however, Devine's age and ability have made him a key target as the club look to build for the long-term future.