Celtic have been linked with a potential move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Alfie Devine.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a strong loan season last term at Preston North End where he managed 48 appearances for the club. In that period of time he scored eight goals and provided the same number of assists.
It is being claimed that Spurs are open to allowing their man to move on and the Lilywhites are keen to make his stay at Deepdale permanent with a £6million future fee already inserted into his initial deal.
However, Football London also report that Celtic are one of as many as eight clubs circling Devine on a list which includes the likes of recently relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Devine now looks likely to leave Tottenham this summer with the window officially opening in two weeks’ time and the Hoops are keeping a close eye on the situation.
Celtic, as we told you in our CeltsAreHere exclusive transfer update, are looking for as many as six new signings before the campaign kicks off next season and one of those positions they are considering is a box to box No.8.
And while Devine arguably does his best work in the attacking third of the pitch, he does not seem to be afraid to do the dirty work for his club.
That would certainly suit the profile of player the Scottish champions are on the lookout for with the likes of Reo Hatate’s future up in the air. The Japanese international has fallen dramatically down the pecking order at Parkhead and could be seeking a fresh challenge.
Football London also claim that Devine’s price could potentially be paid up in instalments by Preston and, given Celtic’s previous with regards to high transfer fees, the opportunity to avoid spending a lump sum may also appeal.
Devine – the youngest scorer in his parent club’s history at 16 – is unlikely to be given a crack at first-team football in North London. New boss Roberto De Zerbi helped the club narrowly avoid relegation last season and will almost certainly look towards more experienced stars.
And that could play into Celtic’s hands as they have Champions League football to offer while the likes of Preston do not.
