Calum Kavanaugh in action for Ireland's U17 side (Getty Images)
According to Herald.ie (h/t The Shields Gazette), Celtic have entered the race to sign Irish youngster Calum Kavanaugh ahead of the summer transfer window.
Kavanaugh, 16, was promoted to Middlesbrough’s U18 side last summer after making it through the ranks of the club’s youth system. Since then, he has been an integral part of the team and has been highly impressive.
The teenager has featured in 13 games in the U18 Premier League, scoring 6 goals and 1 assist. He is one of the best players in the squad. With Kavanaugh continuing to impress with Boro’s U18, he has attracted a lot of attention from other teams including Chelsea and Arsenal, as per the report.
Meanwhile, Neil Lennon’s side has continued to dominate in Scotland as they are 13 points clear of second-placed Rangers in the title race. Star striker Odsonne Edouard has led the team brilliantly, scoring 21 goals. The Frenchman has been on top of his game and has become one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe.
He has been linked with a move to several clubs in the past and could be on the move at the end of the season. This would leave the Hoops with only one established striker in Leigh Griffiths. The Scotsman has also had a good season so far, scoring 9 goals, but he is already 29 and has just two years left on his contract at Celtic Park.
Sooner or later, Neil Lennon would be left with limited players in the attacking unit. Therefore, he should bring in reinforcements in the form of youngsters and Middlesbrough’s Calum Kavanaugh would be a good option for their future.
Kavanaugh has impressed in his first season with the U18 and looks to have a huge future ahead. He would be a valuable addition to Lennon’s squad if he can replicate the good form he has shown so far and develop into a first-team material.
The teenager has represented Ireland’s U17 side 4 times since making his debut last December and has netted 1 goal, in the process.
At 16, this would be the right time to take a huge leap in his career and with Celtic, he can grow into a fine player. He has the ability and could be a crucial player for the Hoops in the future. Therefore, signing Kavanaugh in the summer would be a wise decision by the club for the future.