Scottish Premiership title chasers Celtic and Rangers both reportedly want to sign League of Ireland starlet John Mahon.
Celtic and Rangers fans will be firing up the internet this morning to do their research on young John Mahon.
According to the Express (19 February, page 47), the Old Firm giants are both interested in signing the 19-year-old Sligo Rovers defender, having scouted him in recent weeks.
It is understood that Celtic scout Willie McStay watched Mahon during Sligo’s 1-1 draw against Dundalk on Friday. He has 18 months left on his contract and it is understood that he would cost a six-figure sum.
But how good is the teenage defender? Well, according to Sligo manager Gerry Lyttle, very.
“John is different class. I love John, you know what you’re getting from him,” Lyttle told the Sligo Champion last year after the defender forced his way into the team (1 May, page 39).
“He’s going to work hard, he’s going to be honest. That’s all we ask of him. He’s a kid but he’s a kid with a man’s heart. He has a big future in the game.”
The Express claimed that Derby County and Blackburn Rovers are also interested and want to bring Mahon to England. But it seems that a move to Celtic is at the top of his wish list, suggesting that Brendan Rodgers’ side have a big advantage over their Glasgow neighbours.
It remains to be seen whether Rodgers sees Mahon as one for the future or a player capable of immediately challenging for a first-team place at Parkhead, given that Dedryck Boyata and Filip Benkovic are expected to leave next summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
