Celtic are exploring the possibility of striking a cooperation agreement with Inverness Caledonian Thistle under the new SPFL system designed to aid player development.

The Scottish champions already have an arrangement in place with Championship side Ayr United, but discussions have now taken place with the Highland club over a similar deal. No agreement has been finalised yet. [Inverness Courier]

The cooperation system, introduced this season, allows clubs to go beyond traditional loan rules by enabling players aged 16–21, who are eligible to represent Scotland, to move between their parent club and the partner club throughout the campaign. This flexibility is aimed at ensuring those in the crucial transition phase of their careers play regularly while still being available to return for development fixtures or training with their parent side.

Agreements can be made with one club from each of the Championship, League One and League Two. Celtic’s player pathway manager, Shaun Maloney, appointed earlier this summer, is leading the talks with Inverness as he seeks to maximise opportunities for the club’s academy graduates.

The system offers a chance to accelerate the progress of highly rated youngsters while keeping them tied closely to the first-team structure. For Inverness, currently competing in League One, it would provide access to top-level talent to aid their promotion push.