Exclusive: Celtic set sights on Vinnie Leonard, two Premier League clubs keen
Celtic, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Norwich City are battling it out for Dundalk teenage sensation Vinnie Leonard in this month’s transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Premier League duo Palace and Brighton have been tracking the 17-year-old for some time alongside Scottish giants Celtic and Championship side Norwich.
The four clubs have registered their interest in signing the Irish teenager before the 31st January deadline.
Dundalk are bracing themselves for offers for Leonard, with the central defender regarded as one of the best young prospects to come out of Ireland in recent years.
He has caught the eye for club and country in the last 12 months after helping Dundalk win promotion last season and he also starred for the Republic of Ireland in their first ever appearance at the Under-17s World Cup in Qatar in November.
Vinnie Leonard’s senior experience
Football Insider revealed last weekend that Celtic are “working overtime” to seal impactful additions to their first-team squad in the January window, but that hasn’t prevented them from eyeing up future stars as well.
Celtic have their eyes fixed firmly on one of Ireland’s most impressive young talents in Leonard, but look set to face a particularly strong battle from Palace and Brighton to secure his signature.
The defender is experienced beyond his tender age having been thrown in at the deep end for Dundalk last term, and he quickly found his feet in the Irish second tier.
Leonard quickly adapted to life in senior football, as he helped his boyhood club to an immediate return to the top flight last term, notching 34 league appearances and five goal involvements along the way.
The impact that he has made at Dundalk has alerted several big clubs to his disposal, and he now looks set to have a big decision on his hands over who he wants to join.
Celtic also set for Premier League transfer battle over Hibernian star
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday that Hibernian are “expecting offers” for star striker Kieron Bowie amid strong interest from both Celtic and Rangers this month.
The 23-year-old has been one of the Scottish Premiership’s headline stars so far this season, as he is currently the top scorer for David Gray’s side with eight goals to his name.
Both Glasgow clubs are chasing his signature, but the Bhoys look set to face a battle with the Premier League once again if they want to land his signature, with Wolves also showing an interest recently.
Celtic’s lofty ambitions consistently see them competing with sides in the English top flight for their transfer targets, and Leonard is the latest example of that.
The starlet has a massive future ahead of him, and will be a huge acquisition for whoever can land him.