Young defender set to follow well-trodden path south
Celtic could lose another one of their wonderkids after it emerged that Dara Jikiemi has turned down a new deal with the Parkhead side.
Jikiemi, who is an imposing 16-year-old centre-half is regarded as one of the most promising youngsters in Celtic’s academy set-up - but the Premiership champions are facing a huge fight to keep hold of him.
That is because the likes of Liverpool and other big English Premier League outfits are showing major interest in his services.
Another starlet could be on his way out of Celtic.placeholder image
Another starlet could be on his way out of Celtic. | Getty Images
Celtic have tried to tie down Jikiemi on a long-term deal, but according to reports on Friday morning, the player has decided that his future lies elsewhere - and Anfield could be his next destination.
They face competition from the likes of Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, with the Scottish market remaining attractive to a number of clubs south of the border.
Celtic are understood to be eligible for compensation should Jikiemi move on, but losing another academy graduate would be a blow given that many starlets have opted to leave the club.
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Ben Gannon-Doak was the most high-profile departure when he left for Liverpool four years ago and since then, there has been a raft of departures.
Daniel Kelly (Millwall), Daniel Cummings (West Ham), Conall Glancy (Tottenham), Aidan Borland (Aston Villa) and Rory Mahady (Leeds United) have all traded in Celtic for English sides.
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