Celtic have reportedly joined their Old Firm rivals in the race to sign Hearts youngster James Wilson.

The Lowdown: Transfer talks set to open

It was reported earlier this week that Glasgow Rangers are set to open talks with the 15-year-old, who is also attracting interest from the English Premier League.

Compensation rules mean that Hearts are powerless to stop the Gers if the player green-lights talks, although the Edinburgh club have also given permission for the deal.

The Latest: Celtic join Wilson transfer race

As per The Scottish Daily Express, Ange Postecoglou's Celtic are looking to make a number of raids on other domestic rivals to further boost their academy and development ranks.

They have informed Hearts of their intention to speak to Wilson, who is the current Tynecastle academy player of the year, and are also keen to hold talks with Aberdeen's Lewis Pirie, Motherwell’s Jonjo Webb, Hamilton’s Joshua McDonald and Partick Thistle’s Hayden Borland.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in Wilson, although Hearts are fighting to keep him at Tynecastle. Meanwhile, Pirie is also being tracked by Everton, Wolves and Brighton & Hove Albion, while Borland has recently been on trial at Liverpool and is also attracting interest from Spurs.

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The Verdict: Exciting prospect

These reports that Celtic are looking to boost their academy with some of the best upcoming talents in Scottish football is certainly exciting for the club and their supporters.

Wilson in particular looks like a player with a lot of promise, with the 15-year-old striker having already represented Northern Ireland at under-17 level.

It is good to see the Hoops aiming to build for the future, with the hope that these young prospects will eventually be able to break into the first-team squad at Parkhead.