Does Real Madrid’s alleged interest explain why Celtic were desperate for Foden loan?

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Premier League champions-elect Manchester City refused to let Phil Foden join Celtic on loan, but now La Liga giants Real Madrid are keen.

You must have been living under a rock if you have not heard the name Phil Foden.

This is the 17-year-old Manchester City starlet who left Pep Guardiola speechless in pre-season, the play-making wonder-kid who inspired England U17’s to World Cup glory in October, and who has twice been targeted by Celtic.

According to TEAMtalk, the Scottish champions were so desperate to loan Foden from Manchester City last summer that they were willing to offer a £1.5 million loan fee. That was quite the commitment for a player who had not even made his competitive senior debut at the time.

And, as reported by the Mirror, Celtic tried to make another move for Foden in the January window, although Pep Guardiola dashed their hopes as he felt the teenager would be better off learning from the established superstars ahead of him in City’s pecking order.

Foden has only started three games in all competitions this season, meaning Celtic fans have not had too many opportunities to see why Rodgers was dreaming of luring this Stockport-born talent to Parkhead.

But reports in Don Balon that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has already earmarked Foden as the long-term successor to Toni Kroos in Los Blancos’ midfield speak volumes about this diminutive youngster’s vast potential.

Rodgers, it seems, had spotted another star, but one that Celtic look destined to miss out on.