Sinclair Armstrong has emerged as a target for Celtic (Getty Images)
According to Goal (h/t MSN), Celtic are among a trio of clubs chasing highly-rated QPR prospect Sinclair Armstrong in the January transfer window.
The 17-year-old joined QPR from Irish outfit Shamrock Rovers back in October but only signed a deal until June 2021 while moving to Loftus Road. That means the teenager is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with other clubs this month.
Celtic, however, are expected to face stiff competition in their pursuit of the young striker. Premier League sides Man City and Crystal Palace are already working on a deal for Armstrong, meaning the Hoops will need to move quickly if they are to have a realistic chance of snapping him up on a free transfer. (Goal h/t MSN)
A youth exponent of Shamrock Rovers, Sinclair Armstrong made his competitive debut for the club back in 2018, aged just 15. The centre-forward, who is also capable of playing on the left, made six appearances in the Republic of Ireland First Division – the second-tier of Irish football, whilst also featuring in the domestic cup.
The 17-year-old’s potential alerted QPR, who successfully orchestrated a deal to bring him to West London back in October. While Armstrong is yet to break into Mark Warburton’s senior side in the Championship, he has made quite an impression for the U-18s, scoring 7 times already this season.
As per the report, Armstrong is widely regarded as one of the top talents to come out of the Republic of Ireland in recent years.
Neil Lennon’s side have roped in several up and coming talents from south of the border as a part of their youth recruitment drive in recent times. Armstrong Okoflex, who joined Celtic’s youth ranks from Arsenal back in 2018, recently made his first-team debut against Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic also grabbed the headlines with their acquisition of a promising trio of youngsters from English football last summer. Jonathan Afolabi, Luca Connell and Jeremie Frimpong joined from Southampton, Bolton and Man City respectively, with the latter already establishing himself among the first names on Lennon’s team sheet.
A potential deal for Sinclair Armstrong, to that end, would represent a continuation of that trend. The youngster has already made great strides in his development at QPR and looks like a future star in the making.
The 17-year-old might not become an immediate first-team player for the Hoops next season if they do manage to win the race for him. But given his potential, Celtic have enough reason to be hopeful of him eventually making the grade in Scottish football.
Celtic need to continue polishing a few rough diamonds if they are to continue moving in the right direction after a slump in form this season. The Hoops have had a lot of luck with their recruitment of youngsters in recent times and Armstrong would make for an exciting addition with one eye on the future.