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Exeter boss’s comments on ‘exceptional’ Dara O’Shea might explain Celtic’s reported interest

Celtic fans hold up scarfs ahead of the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park on March 31, 2019 in Glasgow...
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Scottish Premiership champions Celtic reportedly want to sign West Bromwich Albion defender and Exeter City loanee Dara O’Shea.

Dublin , Ireland - 24 March 2019; Dara O'Shea of Republic of Ireland during the UEFA European U21 Championship Qualifier Group 1 match between Republic of Ireland and Luxembourg in...

Celtic are always on the lookout for some of Britain’s brightest talents. And, even though we still don’t know who will be managing the Scottish Premiership champions in 2018/19, it seems that plans to bring more exciting youngsters to Parkhead are well underway.

According to the Scottish Sun, Celtic are hoping to snap up Dara O’Shea when his contract at West Brom expires in the summer.

A 20-year-old centre-back who has played for the Republic of Ireland at youth level, Celtic had been tracking him during Brendan Rodgers spell at the helm and it seems that he is still a target – despite the manager’s departure in February.

Dublin-born O’Shea spent last season on loan at Exeter City, making 27 appearances in League Two. And, according to Grecians boss Matt Taylor, he has the talent to go all the way to the top.

“He could go all the way,” Taylor told BBC in March after O’Shea was called up to the Irish U21s. “If you’re 19 years old and playing regularly at centre-half or centre midfield in League Two, you’ve got a chance of making it all the way in the game.”

Dara O'Shea of Exeter City looks on during the Sky Bet League Two match between Exeter City and Bury at St James Park on February 16, 2019 in Exeter, United Kingdom.

“Since he’s come into the team he’s been exceptional for us. He’s still a young defender learning his game and we feel we’ve played a part in his development.

“He’s going to be a very good player and the international call-up is a bonus to top it off for him.”

Celtic are in dire need of defensive reinforcements this summer. Dedryck Boyata has already left for Hertha Berlin while Filip Benkovic will return to parent club Leicester City.

Jozo Simunovic is a £4 million target for La Liga outfit Alaves meanwhile, according to the Sun.

Jozo Simunovic of Celtic reacts after missing a chance during the Ladbrokes Premiership match between St Johnstone and Celtic at McDiarmid Park on February 3, 2019 in Perth, United Kingdom.