Dundee starlet Warren Lyall has reportedly agreed a professional contract with Celtic.
That’s despite the 16-year-old spending time training with Arsenal earlier this year, and having several English clubs interested.
A Scottish youth international, Lyall has featured above his age group with the Under-20s at Dens Park, also reaching the Youth Cup final with the under-18s.
It’s the Hoops’ second high-profile youth signing of the summer after Shea McGarry of Cliftonville.
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Dundee goalkeeper Warren Lyall signs for Celtic
According to the Daily Record, Celtic have fought off major competition from England to land the signature of the teenager.
The report from Scott Burns describes the transfer as a ‘major coup’.
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Dundee reportedly fought hard to keep the goalkeeper but were “fighting a losing battle” in their attempts.
He has featured alongside Celtic youngsters such as Joseph Haney, Lucas Clearie and Conor Daly on youth duty for Scotland.
He will reportedly join them in the Hoops’ B team, which will remain in the Lowland League this season after rumours of a withdrawal.
We’re likely to see some of Celtic’s talented youngsters in pre-season action with the first team over coming weeks, and Martin O’Neill has indicated a willingness to give spaces to young talent in his squad.
The Parkhead boss said back in April: “If I was here, I’d like to make room for younger players coming through.
“Myself and Fozzy [Mark Fotheringham] went to watch the B team. They played Brentford last Tuesday at Barrowfield and some of the younger lads, I know they’re not of the age at this minute, they are really impressive.
“So it is a balancing act of trying to be strong, still strong, and hopefully that these players can come through in the next couple of years.
“Because that would be lovely, that would be really nice to see young boys who’ve got the club at heart, who’ve maybe been in the academies here since they were about 12 or 13 to come through. And we’ve got one or two lads.
“It was an under-18s or 19s game against Brentford, but it was very impressive, both sides. So that was really good.
“I think we should have an eye on that, and not stifle young talent coming through, particularly here because Scottish football needs it.”
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