Much to the excitement of Celtic fans, it was revealed on Monday evening that the champions are weighing up a move for young French full back Quentin Merlin. 

News of a potential move has enthused supporters and here, we will profile the man whom the Hoops have reportedly scouted on several occasions.

Currently plying his trade for Nantes in the French top flight, Merlin has been at the club his whole career and made a total of 64 appearances despite being just 21 years of age.

He helped his side to a Coupe de France triumph in 2022 and has 18 caps for the youth teams of France.

At 21, Merlin is still an extremely young player but he possesses a wealth of potential. In terms of play style, he is rather small (5’7 is hardly tall) but loves to get forward.

Merlin likes to make both overlapping and underlapping runs to help out in attack as well as make whipped, curved crosses for strikes to get on the end of.

His love for getting forward can leave him slightly vulnerable defensively, though. This part of his game can be worked on and at the age he is, he is never going to be the finished article.

Along with the attacking side of his game, passing is a key strength of Merlin’s. Whether it be via short 1-2s or long balls, the 21-year-old is more than capable on the ball. For Brendan Rodgers’ style of play, Merlin seems an ideal player.

He has been a consistent starter for Nantes over the past few years and is undoubtedly a high-profile talent. One imagines that if the Hoops were to pull a deal off, it would cost a fair amount of money but at the same time, it would be a major coup and statement of intent.