The lure of guaranteed playing time is expected to see Celtic win the race to sign Bayern Munich youngster Christopher Scott this summer, according to Alex McLeish.
The Lowdown: Celtic linked with move
The 19-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move to Parkhead in recent days, with Sky Germany reporting talks with the player's representatives even though Bayern are keen on extending his stay beyond 2022 - when his current deal expires.
It is believed that Brentford are also interested in acquiring Scott's services, as the potential battle to sign him in the summer hots up.
The youngster has won four caps for Germany's Under-20 side and is valued at £1.08million by Transfermarkt.
The Latest: McCleish backs Hoops for signing
Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish, a pundit for BBC Radio 5 Live, backed Scott, a 'glorious talent' to trade Bayern for Celtic, with the promise of more minutes giving them the edge over Brentford:
"That would be a cracker. I suspect he will only come if he is promised he will be playing. I’m not saying he’ll be in the nucleus of the team.
"But he will need to be assured he will be getting games. It’s rare to see young teenagers making a breakthrough but teenagers in their late teens have a chance.
"If you’ve got a glorious talent, there’s absolutely no stopping you. But it seems that a lot of them are thinking about, not bigger clubs but the bigger leagues, to get them over that kind of foundation hurdle.
"The aim is to catch the eye of the seniors at Bayern Munich or whatever. They clearly want to get the experience of a tougher league."
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The Verdict: One for the future
While Scott wouldn't necessarily come in as a key man immediately, he is someone who would be viewed as a long-term signing with great potential.
That's not to say he wouldn't play regularly, though, as McLeish alludes to, and he has been described as 'one of the biggest talents in Germany' in the past, surely earning himself plenty of playing time when the Bhoys compete on multiple fronts.
Scott could add depth and quality to Celtic's midfield, not to mention ensure that Ange Postecoglou's side continues to build into the future, as key midfielders like Callum McGregor begin to age.
In other news, two Celtic players could potentially start at Rangers this weekend. Find out who it is here.