Celtic have flagged up their interest in St Johnstone midfielder Ali McCann, according to the Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Hoops’ previous scouting trips

Celtic have been keeping a close eye on McCann over the last six months.

Reports back in November claimed that Hoops scout Tosh McKinlay watched the midfielder in action, whereas John Kennedy admitted earlier this month the Hoops are aware of the midfielder.

McCann can play as a defensive, central and attacking midfielder and is under contract with St Johnstone until 2023.

The Latest: Celtic flag up interest

The Daily Record dropped a line on McCann in a piece mainly on Celtic’s pursuit of Manchester City man Fergal Harkin as their director of football.

They suggested that McCann has been flagged up at Celtic Park as a potential addition, as well as Hibernian striker Kevin Nisbet.

McCann, who has two caps for Northern Ireland, made 43 appearances for St Johnstone in the 2020/21 campaign, scoring twice and registering two assists.

The Verdict: A solid long-term addition?

The majority of McCann’s displays this season came as a central midfielder, an area of the pitch where it seems the Hoops need to strengthen.

Scott Brown will be an Aberdeen player next season, whereas reports have hinted that the Hoops will terminate Olivier Ntcham’s deal next month.

That could leave Celtic with Ismaila Soro, Callum McGregor and David Turnbull as central midfielders, so bringing in McCann could prove a shrewd move in the long run.

He’s made over 60 appearances in the Scottish Premiership at just 21 years of age and was described as ‘impressive’ by Kennedy, so a deal could be one worth pursuing.

In other news: Celtic linked with move for Spanish defender, find out more here.