Celtic are in discussions with East Kilbride and Dumbarton over new co-operation loan agreements ahead of the Scottish lower-league season.
The Hoops made use of the Scottish FA’s co-operation loan system last season through a partnership with Ayr United, allowing several young players to gain valuable first-team experience.
Under the current rules, clubs can hold agreements with one Championship club, one League One club and one League Two club.
While a number of Premiership sides expanded their partnerships across multiple divisions last season, Celtic opted only to strike a deal with Ayr United.
That could now be about to change.
Celtic are understood to be in talks with League One newcomers East Kilbride and League Two side Dumbarton over fresh agreements, with the aim of having both in place before the new league campaigns begin. [RecordSport]
East Kilbride arrive in League One after securing back-to-back promotions, while Dumbarton will compete in League Two this season.
If agreements are reached, both clubs would be able to take Celtic youngsters on co-operation loans without paying transfer fees.
The co-operation loan system offers significant flexibility for the parent club.
Unlike standard loans, Celtic would retain the ability to recall players or move them elsewhere outside the traditional transfer windows if their development required it.
That gives the club greater control over the progress of its young talent while ensuring players continue to receive regular senior football.
Celtic’s existing partnership with Ayr United proved beneficial last season despite managerial change at Somerset Park.
Scott Brown was dismissed during the campaign and has since been replaced by Gary Naysmith, who arrived after leading Stenhousemuir to an impressive season.
Whether Celtic continue their relationship with Ayr alongside the proposed agreements remains to be seen, but the club’s latest moves show a growing commitment to creating more development opportunities for academy players through regular first-team football, at a higher level than the Lowland League.
