Celtic’s reported interest in Alfie Devine has surfaced again after new claims connected the Tottenham midfielder with a possible move to Parkhead this summer.

The 21-year-old caught the eye during his loan spell at Preston North End this season, where he became a regular presence in the Championship and continued his development with consistent first-team football.

The Scotsman report that Devine is one of several names being looked at by Celtic as the club prepares for major squad changes ahead of next season.

The report also points back to Martin O’Neill’s visit to Deepdale last month, when the Celtic boss watched Preston’s 1-1 draw against QPR alongside Mark Fotheringham.

At the time, there was plenty of discussion around who Celtic had travelled to watch.

With Devine now linked directly, that trip suddenly makes a bit more sense.

From a football side of things, he fits what Celtic have lacked at times this season.

Too often the midfield has struggled when matches become scrappy or stretched. Devine is comfortable taking the ball in crowded areas and driving forward rather than simply recycling possession.

That ability stands out.

His spell at Preston also came at a good level.

The Championship remains one of the toughest leagues physically, and players coming through it are usually well prepared for the demands of playing regularly at clubs expected to dominate games domestically.

Celtic have increasingly targeted that market in recent years.

There is no suggestion yet that a move is close, and plenty could still change depending on who becomes the club’s permanent manager this summer.

But O’Neill’s scouting visit now looks more interesting than it first did.

With midfield expected to be one of the areas Celtic reshape during the summer window, Devine is another name supporters may hear more about in the coming weeks.