Exclusive: Celtic plot swoop for Sheffield United striker soon available on pre-contract | OneFootball

EXCLUSIVE By Pete O’Rourke

Celtic are keeping close tabs on Sheffield United striker David Parkhouse ahead of the January window, Football Insider understands.

The Northern Ireland Under-21 international has come to the attention of the Scottish champions after scoring 18 goals in 32 appearances while on loan at League of Ireland side Derry City.

A Celtic source has told Football Insider that the club are running regular assessments on Parkhouse, 19, as they plot a possible January swoop.

The 19-year-old is out of contract at Sheffield United next summer and Celtic could look to sign Parkhouse on a pre-contract in January.

Parkhouse initially joined Derry City on a six-month loan in January, but that was quickly extended until the end of the League of Ireland season in October.

Scouts have been flocking to watch Parkhouse in action following his exploits and Celtic are aiming to steal a march on their rivals for the talented forward.

Celtic signed Republic of Ireland youth international Jonathan Afolabi, 19, on a three-year deal last month after his contract at Southampton had expired.

In other Celtic news, it can be REVEALED that club chiefs are “confident” a new signing will ‘terrorise’ opponents after Lennoxtown developments.