Celtic face Premier League competition in the race for Aberdeen midfielder Connor Barron this summer.

The Lowdown: Barron on the move?

The 19-year-old is a highly-rated young player, making 12 starts in the third tier on loan at Kelty Hearts last season before returning to the Scottish Premiership in January, where he played 13 times for the Dons.

Barron has been hailed as 'absolutely excellent' by former Dundee striker Rory Loy and Celtic have been linked with a move for him in recent times.

Now, a new update has emerged, with the Hoops facing a battle to sign the youngster.

The Latest: New update emerges

According to Football Scotland deputy editor Mark Hendry, Celtic still intend to secure the Scot's services, but Premier League side Brentford are hovering ominously:

"Connor Barron is a target but Premier League side Brentford hope to take him south."

The Verdict: Get it done, Hoops

While Barron wouldn't necessarily come in as an immediate key man for Celtic this summer, he would be viewed as an exciting long-term proposition, having captained Aberdeen Under-18s and Under-20s sides.

The central midfielder already has two caps to his name for Scotland's Under-21s and those numbers should only increase as the years pass, with senior international football surely coming his way if he continues to impress in the youth sides.

With Tom Rogic leaving Celtic this summer, fresh blood is required in the middle of the park, and Barron could be the man to help fill that void in the long-term, perhaps getting some chances in the domestic cup games initially.

In other news, one player has been backed to make a move to Celtic. Find out who it is here.