Report: Celtic up against Newcastle in race for Cliftonville's Sean Moore

By Giuseppe Labellarte

February 9, 2023

Celtic are reportedly up against a number of English clubs in the race for Cliftonville talent Sean Moore.

According to NUFC Blog, the Hoops are one of several teams keeping tabs on the 17-year-old winger.

Celtic are the only Scottish side said to be eyeing Moore, with the other suitors all south of the border.

Newcastle United have apparently sent scouts out to monitor the teenage prodigy. Meanwhile, Brighton and West Ham are reportedly also looking at a potential move for Moore.

The youngster has broken into the Cliftonville senior squad this season, starting each of their last eight league games. Moore has registered three goals and two assists this term. His efforts have helped Cliftonville go top of the NIFL Premiership.

The player previously represented Northern Ireland’s Under-18s. More recently, he has accepted a call-up to the Republic of Ireland’s Under-19s. Moore will now train in Dublin ahead of next month’s European qualifiers.

‘He faces defenders up and goes at them’

Credit to Celtic’s scouts for setting their sights on Moore, a player who looks like he has a bright future in the game. Competition will be strong, particularly from Newcastle, now one of the richest clubs in world football.

If Celtic win the race for Moore, they’d be getting themselves a player who “gets fans out of their seats”.

This is according to Northern Ireland youth manager Gerard Lyttle, who raved about Moore on BBC Sport.

“He has got that pace about him, with a drop of the shoulder and a trick to get away from players,” said Lyttle. “I’ve played with and coached a lot of players that never understood how best to use their pace, but Sean does.”

“He faces defenders up and goes at them. That gets fans out of their seats.”

In other news, Celtic stars respond as Giorgos Giakoumakis announces exit; Ange Postecoglou prediction comes true.