Sources: Celtic plotting to sign Tottenham's Alfie Devine after Martin O'Neill transfer mission
Celtic are plotting a move to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Alfie Devine as they aim to accelerate their transfer plans, sources have told Football Insider.
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Preston North End, where his impressive performances caught the eye of a number of clubs in the EFL and Scotland.
Preston are now considered unlikely to make his move permanent, opening the door to his potential departure, and placing Celtic and other interested clubs on alert.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Martin O'Neill is a big fan of Devine and is keen to reach an agreement with Spurs.
The boss, alongside members of Celtic's recruitment team, have made multiple trips to Deepdale to watch Devine in action for Preston over the last six months.
Celtic are now prepared to step up their interest, with Tottenham's transfer activity potentially opening the door to a move away.
Could Celtic make a move to sign Alfie Devine?
Football Insider revealed in April that O'Neill has been keeping a close eye on Devine's performances and views him among his top targets to improve his midfield options.
The manager has been playing a key role in Celtic's transfer plans since before he landed the permanent job, and could now push them to accelerate their interest.
As a result, they are keeping a close eye on Devine's potential availability, and could make a move to lure him to Parkhead sooner rather than later.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Alfie Devine is a player that 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.
"He's a very good young player, he's gone back to Tottenham now and it does look like Tottenham would be open to letting him leave on a permanent basis for the right offer.
"Martin O'Neill will be hoping to get backing from the Celtic board to strengthen the squad because they've had a slow start to the market so far.
"If there's opportunity to sign Devine, it's something that he would hope the club would go forward with because he ticks a lot of boxes for Celtic.
"He's still only 21, player with huge potential for development as well. And it's an area of the team that Celtic are definitely going to have to add to in the summer."
What does Tottenham's transfer activity mean for Devine?
Speculation about Devine's future comes as Spurs are planning to be active in the transfer market, with mutliple midfield additions already set to come through the doors.
Tottenham have already completed the signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, while Sandro Tonali is closing in on a £100million move from Newcastle in the near future.
As a result, questions have been asked about their other midfield options who will now be forced down the pecking order by the new arrivals.
Devine ranks low on their list of options, having spent the season out on loan with Spurs prepared to sanction a permanent move, and that is not expected to change.
The likes of Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Pape Matar Sarr remain ahead of the teenager in the pecking order, with any chance of a first-team role seemingly dashed.
His sale would also mean pure profit for Tottenham, who could cash in as they attempt to balance the books after spending massive fees already.