CELTIC are rivalling Tottenham for Irish whizkid Mason Melia.
Striker Melia, 17, has been billed as one of the most exciting talents to come out of the Republic of Ireland in recent years and could leave St Patrick’s Athletic this month.
Many clubs across Europe have shown an interest including Eintracht Frankfurt and Genk.
But Melia has been most keen on joining Spurs, who are understood to have had a £1million bid rejected last month.
Personal terms will be no problem and Tottenham are weighing up whether to complete a deal in January.
But due to Brexit rules, he would not be able to join a British club until January 2026, the first transfer window after he turns 18 on September 23.
The same therefore applies to Celtic, yet the Bhoys remain very keen on acquiring his services as they see him as a possible future star.
A deal could be set up this month though to be completed in a year’s time.
It would however be possible for Melia to move to the continent now though due to having an EU passport.
Melia played 41 times for St Pat’s last season – as well as one appearance for the Under-19s.
The teenager became the youngest goalscorer in League of Ireland history last year.
In June 2023 he came off the bench against UCD to find the net at the age of just 15 years and 281 days old.
Melia caught the eye on the European stage during St Patrick’s Conference League playoff with Istanbul Basaksehir in August.
Teammate Aidan Kenna said after the game: “He knows how good he is and how good he can be, he has a good head on his shoulders.
“He’s playing men’s football, and it’s not just his goals, his overall game is getting better and better.
“I am there to give him any advice he needs but he doesn’t need much, it will be me asking him for advice soon.”
