Celtic and Everton are both competing to secure the services of Gillingham's 17-year-old goalkeeper Joe Walsh, a source has exclusively confirmed to Football League World Chief Editor Sam Rourke.

Walsh has entered the first-team picture at Gillingham this season, which has seen him make three EFL Trophy appearances for the League One side, and it now seems his strong progress at the club has seen him attract interest ahead of January.

The teenager has been playing second fiddle to Gills' number-one goalkeeper Jack Bonham so far this campaign, but the fact Walsh has already featured in Steve Evans' plans at just 17 years of age is indicative of his enormous potential.

Sources have now confirmed a number of high-profile clubs including Everton and Celtic are monitoring Walsh's situation ahead of the transfer window opening next month, with the goalkeeper having already attracted interest from two unnamed German clubs.

It is unlikely Walsh would immediately feature in the first-team fold for either of these sides, but both clubs' recruitment teams have clearly been impressed by Walsh's rapid progression through the Gills' academy ranks.

Walsh was named on the bench for Gillingham's 1-1 draw with Fleetwood over the weekend, but he may now see his game time limited due to the Priestfield Stadium outfit having already been knocked out of all cup competitions this campaign.