Pranav Nair
Manchester United face intense competition for Celtic starlet Daniel Kelly
According to the Glasgow Times, Manchester United are involved in an almighty tussle for Celtic wonderkid Daniel Kelly.
The 15-year-old has been turning heads as he continues to progress up the age groups at Celtic Park. A number of our rivals are also aware, with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Leicester City, and Tottenham Hotspur all keen.
The biggest threat will come from the Blues. The Londoners have built a reputation for nurturing youth since Frank Lampard took the reins last summer.
Faced with a transfer ban, the English legend has made the most by promoting youth. The likes of Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, and Reece James have all enjoyed breakout seasons at the Bridge.
His stance on using promising young players has not changed even after the transfer ban was revoked in January.
Kelly has starred for the Celtic youth sides right from the Under-15 to the Under-18 level. His talents were on show in the prestigious Sheffield Trophy. He was a part of a young Celts outfit that finished runners-up to MLS side Seattle Sounders.
Celtic are keen to hold onto the player and have offered him a pre-professional agreement. Kelly is a product of the St. Ninian’s High School program, the same that helped produce Kieran Tierney, Mikey Johnston, and Anthony Ralston among others.
The Red Devils have focussed on signing promising young players in recent windows. Hannibal Mejbri and Dillon Hoogewerf were procured last season while Radek Vitek, Joe Hugill, and Marc Jurado will arrive this summer.
Academy graduates Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams have already made their breakthroughs this season.
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With the coronavirus pandemic set to change the way clubs approach transfers, United will do well to establish a conveyor belt of young talent coming through.
