Celtic winger Karamoko Dembele has been approached by the Ivory Coast, according to reliable reporter Mike McGrath.

The Lowdown: Dembele’s contract situation

Dembele has made a return from injury this month to make his first two appearances under Ange Postecoglou.

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The 18-year-old has made brief cameo displays from the bench against St Mirren and Dundee United, with his current Parkhead contract set to expire in the summer.

Fellow young Hoops attacker Ben Doak has been approached by Liverpool and now looks set to move to Merseyside, and Dembele may well be about to switch nationalities.

The Latest: McGrath’s post

McGrath took to Twitter on Monday afternoon to provide an update on Dembele.

He claimed that an approach has been made for the teenager by Ivory Coast, who want him to play against England later this month in a friendly at Wembley Stadium, outlining:

“Ivory Coast have made an approach for Celtic's Karamoko Dembele to switch from England and play against Gareth Southgate's team later this month. IC manager Patrice Beaumelle wants him for 2023 AFCON they are hosting.”

The Verdict: Club exit inevitable?

This update is an exciting one for Dembele, but with his Celtic contract running down, it seems as if a Parkhead exit is inevitable.

Kieran Devlin has recently claimed that it is unlikely that the 18-year-old will pen new terms in Glasgow, and clubs may well circle over the coming months over a possible pre-contract agreement.

A senior international debut may attract more interest in the Celtic youngster, so Parkhead chiefs may have their work cut out when it comes to keeping Dembele at the club.

In other news: 'Hope it's not true... ' - Celtic pundit fumes at 'massive' Parkhead news after insider's reveal