Celtic remain firmly in the race for Dundalk defender Vinnie Leonard, with no decision yet taken on where the 17-year-old will play his football next season, Mark Hendry has revealed.

 

Interest in Leonard was also reported earlier in the transfer window, with Celtic identified as one of several clubs tracking the Ireland Under-18 centre-half. His performances for Dundalk have not gone unnoticed across the water either, with Crystal Palace and Brighton both monitoring his situation.

Despite recent chatter suggesting Brighton were closing in on a deal, that has been played down. Mark Hendry has confirmed that nothing has been agreed, and that Celtic remain very much in contention for his signature.

Celtic’s recruitment focus at youth level has been clear for a while now, particularly when it comes to securing top talent from Ireland before English clubs can move decisively. Leonard fits that profile neatly, young, already playing senior football, and comfortable at centre half.

The fee involved is understood to be around €400,000. For a player of Leonard’s age and potential, that is not insignificant, but it is well within the bracket Celtic have shown they are prepared to operate in when they believe the upside justifies it.

Leonard has been on the club’s radar for some time. He was first identified as a target during Paul Tisdale’s spell as Head of Football Operations, with McStay now believed to be pushing hard to get the deal done.

That is notable in itself. Celtic’s academy and pathway structure has come under scrutiny, and there is an obvious desire internally to add players who can realistically progress through the ranks.