Celtic starlet Michael Johnston is being tracked by Premier League leaders Chelsea and Championship side Derby County.
A report in the Daily Mail has suggested that Celtic may face a battle to keep hold of one of their brightest prospects with Chelsea and Derby County amongst the teams keeping a keen eye on young forward Michael Johnston.
Johnston is one of the brightest prospects coming through at Parkhead currently, and has proved to be a key man for the Hoops’ youth team this term.
The Mail reports that the 18-year-old is about to enter the final year of his contract with the Bhoys, and his situation and growing reputation has seen him win him plenty of admirers within the top two divisions in the English game.
The Mail suggests that Premier League leaders Chelsea as well as their divisional rivals Stoke City have been monitoring his progress, while Championship side Derby are also aware of the youngster.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte
While Johnston is still awaiting the chance to make his first-team debut, it may not be a surprise if his list of admirers grows before the end of the campaign, as with the Scottish Premiership title wrapped up in emphatic fashion, it may not be a shock if Brendan Rodgers adopts a selection policy in the final weeks which Johnston benefits from.
Ronny Deila gave Jack Aitchison a chance on the final day of last season, and perhaps it would not be out of the question to suggest that Rodgers will hand Johnston – and several of his fellow academy starlets – the opportunity to impress in the first-team.
And while that may well put him in the shop window and may see even more sides join the race for his signature, it may also make it clear to Johnston that the path to the first-team is there for him at Celtic.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
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