Sources: Celtic and Rangers in race to sign Reading striker Luca Fletcher
Celtic and Rangers are both interested in Reading and England youth international striker Luca Fletcher, sources have told Football Insider.
Fletcher, 15, is a target for a number of clubs including West Ham – and now the Glasgow giants are weighing up moves for the exciting teenager.
He has impressed for England Under-16s and was part of the Young Lions squad that won a recent development tournament in Cyprus, scoring in a 3-0 win over Scotland last month.
Celtic and Rangers could sign the forward for minimal cross-border compensation but face fierce competition from Premier League clubs.
Fletcher can play on both wings and as a central striker as he continues his development.
In addition to his England goal against Scotland, he notched three strikes against Turkey’s Under-16 side in the space of three days across two games back in December.
Reading youngster Fletcher turns 16 next month (18 April) – but is allowed to make the move from England to Scotland as he is a UK-based talent.
The Royals are embroiled in a new financial controversy and could be deducted another six points – around 18 months after their first punishment.
Any such deduction would land the Thames Valley side firmly in the battle against relegation from the Championship.
Celtic and Rangers continue to do battle for the Scottish Premiership title – but the Hoops have built a nine-point advantage after 26 games.
The Parkhead club also lifted the Scottish League Cup after defeating their Glasgow rivals 2-1 at Hampden Park last week (26 February).
The Bhoys lost highly-rated forward talent Ben Doak to Liverpool as a 16-year-old back in July 2022.
Fletcher could follow in the footsteps of players like Anthony Ralston and Stephen Welsh to make the grade at Parkhead after coming through the youth system.
Leon King, Alex Lowry and Adam Devine are among the young stars to come through the ranks at Rangers in recent years.
In other news, Celtic expert slams classless Michael Beale after what he spotted in Rangers clash.