CELTIC have been linked with Wigan striker Kyle Joseph for some time now but according to MailSport Newcastle are trying to hijack the move.

The report claims Celtic would be due to pay a small compensation fee to Wigan of around £230k if they were to sign the player on a pre-contract.

However, a number of English outfits are in contention and could beat the club to Kyle’s signature in the coming weeks.

Celtic are too busy getting their new managerial team and structure in place for next season that they could drop the ball with potential signings.

There’s also no guarantee a new setup would want the young striker. There is still moves happening behind the scenes to secure young talent for the developmental side.

It looks increasingly likely Eddie Howe will be in charge next season and if the timing lines up, Joseph could be the first official signing of the new era. Considering any new set up will come with a director of football, Eddie will likely defer to people around him to help him bring in players.

There’s no doubt our youth ranks need to be replenished with some top talent. Our academy has been depleted in recent years with players being let go or moving on because they haven’t got a chance at the first team