According to the Edinburgh Evening News, Celtic have been credited with an interest in young Hearts goalkeeper Harry Stone.
Stone has yet to make a senior appearance for the Jambos, but he has been warming up with senior goalkeepers Zdenek Zlamal and Joel Pereira in recent weeks.
The Edinburgh Evening News has reported that both Liverpool and Watford have tried to take Stone to England in the past. However, Hearts are prepping him for potential first-team action quicker than you might expect.
Speaking about Stone in the Evening News, Hearts Academy Manager Roger Arnott spoke about the shot-stopper’s progress.
“We expect Harry to play in the first team. Not right now, but in the not-too-distant future. Some exposure will be good for him but he is a very grounded lad and we want it to stay that way.”
A player for the long-term
If Celtic were to sign up Stone at some stage, he would almost certainly be a player for the long-term. He’s contracted to Tynecastle until 2021, and may feel that his first-team chances are higher at Tynecastle.
Craig Gordon looks set to quit Parkhead at the end of the season with his contract up. However, Stone isn’t exactly going to be the direct replacement for him.
But Stone clearly has potential. At just 18, he’s already training regularly with the senior squad. As well as that, he’s been capped by Scotland at youth level too (Transfermarkt).
Celtic already have youngsters such as Ross Doohan and Conor Hazard in the youth ranks. Stone’s arrival would likely see him rival them.
Stone has yet to taste senior football at any level as things stand. He’s yet to experience a loan move from Tynecastle, and it may be worth seeing him in action for a lower-league side before making a move.
Regardless, this could be one to keep an eye on in the near future.
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