Celtic are reportedly interested in forward Ronan Darcy and are hoping to beat rivals Rangers to his signature.

The 18-year-old was one of a number of players who had to step up and play an important role for the Trotters in the early part of the season after the first-team squad was decimated by financial issues in the summer.

Darcy has made eight appearances for Bolton this season but has fallen out of favour following the successful takeover from Football Ventures and the subsequent influx on loan and free-agent signings.

The teenager’s early-season showings appear to have turned some heads north of the border as, according to Football Insider, Celtic have reignited their interest in him.

The Scottish club are understood to have made enquiries about Darcy in the summer and are believed to be monitoring the forward, with the hope to take advantage of cross-border rules to sign him for a reduced fee.

The rules mean that clubs in Scotland are able to sign players from England and pay much less compensation than English sides would.

It appears the Hoops will have to beat out their Glasgow rivals Rangers, who are also reportedly interested in a move for Darcy.

According to TransferMarkt, the Englishman’s contract is set to expire in the summer.

The Verdict

Darcy appears to be one of the most in-demand young players in the EFL right now with two Scottish giants and Premier League side Leicester City thought to be interested.

With his contract running down at Bolton, the 18-year-old is going to have a real decision to make moving forward.

All three of the reported suitors seem like great options but I think what Darcy has to discern at this point is who is going to give him the biggest opportunity for first-team football, whether that be on-loan or at the club because that will surely be the best thing for his development.

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