Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley has confirmed Celtic’s approach for Liam Scales, The Scottish Sun report.

Celtic were linked with a move for Scales at the beginning of the week after The Irish Mirror’s Paul O’Hehir claimed the Hoops were in talks with Rovers for the 22-year-old.

Dermot Desmond has a 25 per cent stake in the Irish champions, and a move for Scales could cost Celtic a ‘significant’ six-figure fee.

Scales can play at centre-back, left-back, left-midfield or defensive midfield and the Hoops were willing to pay €700,000 for his services.

The Latest: Bradley’s comments

Shamrock Rovers manager Bradley recently spoke out about Scales and the rumours of a move away.

His comments were relayed by The Scottish Sun, with Bradley confirming Celtic’s approach for the versatile defender.

“I expect him to be with us (next week). I speak to Stephen daily and I'm well clued in on where it is and who is interested and the timeline on it.

“I fully expect Liam to be with us next week. But there is a lot of serious interest from the English Premier League and Scotland.

“It's always been there for the last year. We've had a number of managers ring myself and Stephen (McPhail) regarding Liam and watching him on a weekly basis.

“That has been there as well as Celtic and others. There is a lot of interest. There have been bids put down.”

The Verdict: Time to move

With interest from the Premier League, it seems as if Celtic need to look to wrap up a deal relatively quickly.

The longer talks go on, the more expensive Scales could come, should a Premier League club with superior finances enter a bidding war with the Hoops for the Irishman.

Celtic have already brought in three players to Ange Postecoglou's senior squad under the age of 22 in Liel Abada, Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide, so adding Scales to their ranks could be another shrewd step in the club’s long-term plan.

In other news: Celtic 'in talks' to sign 25 y/o who has same agency as superstars like Son and Varane.