Celtic defender Ronan Ferns could leave Glasgow this summer amid interest south of the border, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Ferns profiled

The Hoops centre-back has worked his way up through the academy ranks at Parkhead to become a regular feature of the club’s several youth sides.

Having turned 16 back in February, the talented prospect is now able to depart the Scottish Premiership outfit and it sounds like there’s already one potential suitor in particular waiting to snap him up in the Premier League.

The Latest: Brighton eyeing Ferns

According to Football Insider, Brighton are ‘interested’ in striking a deal for Ferns having ‘impressed’ for Celtic’s academy teams at Parkhead.

The Seagulls have reportedly ‘scouted’ the teenager and are keeping ‘very close tabs’ on him, hoping to make him the latest of a number of Parkhead talents to head down south.

The Bhoys view their left-footed ace as a ‘hugely promising talent’, but whether they will be able to keep hold of him yet remains to be seen.

The Verdict: Tie him down

Celtic have an extremely exciting player in Ferns who looks likely to make a breakthrough into the senior first-team in years to come, so the club need to tie him down in the hope of fending off interest.

The Hoops defender is already making a name for himself on the international stage having been selected to represent Scotland’s U16s at the UEFA Development Tournament back in February.

Ferns also provides excellent versatility with his ability to operate in both central and left midfield alongside his natural centre-back position so the Hoops need to do everything they can to get him to commit to his long-term future.