Celtic are monitoring the situation of Dundee United teenager Kerr Smith, with the youngster set to leave Tannadice before the end of the transfer window.
The Scottish Sun reports that Southampton are leading the chase for the Tayside talent. However, Celtic, Crystal Palace, Leeds and Leicester City are all monitoring the situation.
Smith, a centre-half, is just 16 but has already made a breakthrough into the Dundee United set-up. He’s made seven appearances in total, two of which have come this season in the Scottish League Cup.
The teenager has been on the radar of English clubs for quite a while. Last year, he spent time on trial with both Manchester United and Aston Villa, as one of the most highly-rated prospects currently coming through in Scottish football. [The Courier]
His contract doesn’t expire until 2023, so United do hold a bit of power here. The Scottish Sun believes they’ve already rebuffed two offers from Southampton. However, it’s still likely he’ll leave the club.
For the right fee, it could be worth a look for Celtic. Given his age, Smith is unlikely to be exposed to first-team football. But with a Celtic B operation in full swing in the Scottish Lowland Football League, we could offer him regular senior football. That won’t be on offer in England.
There’s also a chance that staying at Dundee United for a time yet could be the best thing for his development. That could result in more Scottish Premiership experience under his belt at a tender age.
Smith and his advisors will have to consider his next career step very carefully indeed.
In other news, Barry Ferguson saddened by rivals’ Celtic stance.
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