Celtic are interested in signing Cardiff City youngster Japhet Matondo, according to a report from Football Scotland

The lowdown: Following in his brother's footsteps

The younger brother of Rabbi Matondo, Wales and Schalke attacker, who also started out life in the Cardiff academy before moving to Manchester City, Japhet appears to be on a similar upwards trajectory.

Predominantly operating as a left-winger, the 16-year-old has represented Wales at the Under 17 level, having shone in the domestic youth setup in the Welsh capital.

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Now it appears an early move could be on the horizon as the Hoops look to bolster their own wealth of talented youngsters...

The latest: Celtic keen

As per Football Scotland, Celtic are believed to have 'registered an interest' in Matondo ahead of the summer transfer window.

It's claimed that the Parkhead hierarchy wants to replace some of their lost talents following the recent departure of the likes of Ben Doak to Liverpool.

The report also states that Celtic would benefit from a cross border compensation that would see the Hoops pay around £130,000 for the teenager described as 'very exciting' in an in-depth report from Wales Online.

The verdict: Smart move

Whilst it's likely such a signing won't have a direct impact on Ange Postecoglou's squad for some time, bolstering the B team ranks has proven to be a successful ploy this season as the Greek-Australian boss called upon the likes of Dane Murray, Joey Dawson and Owen Moffat at various stages of the season.

Furthermore, amidst mooted interest from Premier League outfit Leeds United, winning the race to land Matondo would be a huge boost to the Celtic Park board in order to supplement the recent damaging loss of top talent.

Capped six times by Wales Under 17s, the versatile forward has already featured for Cardiff Under 23s and could be a regular feature for Tommy McIntyre's side should the move to refresh the Lennoxtown youth ranks materialise.

In other news… Celtic are reportedly ‘desperate’ to complete the permanent signing of one first-team player.