Have Hibernian just identified potential replacement for Celtic linked John McGinn?

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Celtic have made a bid to sign John McGinn from Scottish Premiership rivals Hibernian according to reports

Hibernian might only have a few weeks left of John McGinn.

Celtic have stepped up their interest in a player they have been linked with for well over a year in recent days. As reported by The Scottish Sun, The Hoops had a £1.5 million bid turned down for the 23-year-old midfielder but are expected to return with a bigger offer in the near future.

Hibs are understood to want about £4 million for McGinn but, with just a year left on his contract, they may be forced to cash in to avoid losing their talisman on a free.

And in a potential boost to Celtic’s hopes, Hibernian might have found another promising young playmaker who could be McGinn’s long-term successor at Easter Road.

21-year-old Dylan Watts is suddenly a free agent after his contract with Leicester City expired but his performances over in Ireland for Bohemians, who he joined on loan in January, have attracted interest from a number of clubs according to the Scottish Sun.

Including Hibs.

A silky playmaker who can play in central midfield or a more attacking role, Watts would be a much needed addition for Neil Lennon’s side with Dylan McGeouch and Scott Allan gone and McGinn expected to follow.

And Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that links with Watts indicate planning for life after McGinn.