Celtic were linked with Aston Villa midfield prospect Aaron Ramsey back in the January window.

According to the Daily Mail, the Hoops, along with Dutch giants Ajax, were showing a serious interest in the England Under-17 international in the New Year.

However, it doesn’t look like the 18-year-old will be making a cut-price move to Parkhead this summer after Villa announced on Tuesday that the central midfielder has signed professional terms with the club.

Ramsey’s initial deal was set to expire in the summer, but it appears as if he’ll now be looking to follow in the footsteps of older brother Jacob in breaking into Dean Smith’s first-team plans.

Transfer Tavern take

Ramsey appeared to fit one of the club’s transfer strategies at the time of being a UK-based prospect with high upside potential available either on a pre-contract, or for a nominal fee.

The Hoops have signed Sheffield Wednesday teenager Liam Shaw on a pre-contract deal and appear to be lining up young forward Kyle Joseph from Wigan Athletic as their next target of that ilk.

However, a move for Ramsey seems to be off the cards for now following his first professional contract in the Midlands.

In other news: Celtic keen on 18-goal forward who could become club's third-most expensive signing, find out more here.