Manchester City now join Celtic in race to sign ‘very good’ France Under-21 star

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Celtic now face a battle with Manchester City and West Ham United in the race for Nantes left back Quentin Merlin.

Nantes talent Quentin Merlin is wanted by Celtic, Manchester City and West Ham United ahead of the January transfer window.

That is according to a report from 90Min, who claim that all three clubs have been tracking Merlin.

The January transfer window is just around the corner and clubs will be eyeing up potential signings.

Celtic, Manchester City and West Ham United could all target a new left back and they all seem to fancy one player.

Quentin Merlin wanted by Celtic, Manchester City and West Ham United

90Min now report that City and West Ham have been sending representatives to France in order to watch Merlin in action.

City may want another natural left back option whilst West Ham may see merlin as their long-term option as left back.

They are not the only clubs in the race for Merlin though as Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, Napoli and Celtic are all understood to be keen.

Add in admiring glances from Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon, and it’s clear that Merlin is a man in demand.

Celtic haven’t really seen Alexandro Bernabei develop as hoped and and that may tempt them into targeting somebody like Merlin.

The 21-year-old is still under contract until 2026 though, meaning Nantes will be able to command a decent fee.

Who is Nantes left back Merlin?

Merlin hails from Nantes and first joined his hometown club as a kid in 2012, spending one year there before returning in 2015.

The attack-minded left back has now become a first-team star for Nantes, recording three goals and six assists in 63 games.

Merlin also has nine caps for the French Under-21’s has been turning heads over in France.

Hailed as a ‘very good player’ by boss Pierre Aristouy, Merin is showing huge potential as a left back and as a left-sided midfielder.

This will be a tough race for Celtic to win, but Brendan Rodgers may be looking to land a major coup by beating City and West Ham to Merlin’s signature.