St Patrick’s Athletic sensation Mason Melia has visited Glasgow as he weighs up a potential move to Celtic amid significant interest from several top European clubs.

Clubs from Germany, Italy, Belgium, and England are closely monitoring the 17-year-old, with Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur currently leading the race for the highly-rated youngster. According to reports from The Irish Mirror, Melia’s visit to Celtic is believed to have taken place last week, with the Scottish champions making their case with an enticing pitch. This comes after Tottenham extended a similar invitation to the Wicklow-born forward late last year.

Celtic or Spurs: The Decision Looms

Melia is said to be nearing a decision on his next move, with both Celtic and Spurs eager for a positive response. However, due to Brexit-related regulations, the St Patrick’s starlet cannot officially complete a transfer to the UK until he turns 18 in late September. This means that even if he chooses Celtic, the move would not be finalised straight away.

Celtic Lennoxtown
Celtic’s Lennoxtown Facility

While the delay is a potential stumbling block for both Celtic and Spurs, Melia’s availability for St Pat’s in the interim is a silver lining for their supporters. The talented forward is expected to continue playing a key role for the Dublin-based club for the remainder of the League of Ireland season.

Melia cemented his reputation scoring his first League of Ireland goal against UCD at just 15 years and 281 days old. That day he etched his name in the record books as the youngest goalscorer in the league’s history.

Celtic’s Long-Term Vision

Celtic’s pursuit of Melia aligns with Brendan Rodgers’ long-term vision of securing elite young talent. The club has consistently sought to bring in players with potential to develop into first-team regulars, and Melia’s composure, versatility, and goal-scoring instincts make him an ideal fit.

However, the Celtic youth system has been fraught with players leaving prematurely and poor development due to the lowland league being very poor quality. Celtic need to show they can bring in players and get them to the first team.

With a decision imminent, all eyes are on Melia as he deliberates over his next step. Celtic fans will be hoping that the pull of Paradise and the promise of working under Rodgers will tip the balance in their favour.

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