Crystal Palace face battle for Celtic starlet as Eagles sweat on contract offer
Crystal Palace are one of three Premier League sides reported to have offered a contract to Scotland Under-16s left-back Mitchel Frame.
Frame, who is currently on the books of Celtic is just 15 years old. The youngster is reported to be one of the top prospects in Celtic’s academy.
The left-back is yet to sign a professional deal with Celtic. As such, he could accept a contract offer from another side with no funds changing hands.
Frame is reported to be of interest to Palace, as well as Tottenham and Wolves, per Football Transfer Tavern.
A move to England could certainly help with his development, preparing the youngster to play in one of the best leagues in the world.
All three clubs mentioned in the report are claimed to have offered Frame a contract.
Should he move, he could follow in the footsteps on Kieran Tierney and Andrew Robertson. Indeed, both are Scottish left-backs impressing in England.
Similarly, Leo Hjelde, who moved from Celtic to Leeds United, and recently made his Premier League debut at just 18.
Gallagher will cost Palace £60m from Chelsea
Conor Gallagher would cost Crystal Palace £60m according to former player Darren Ambrose
While a move to England would be a step up, there is no mention of Frame’s intentions as yet.
Moving from hundreds of miles to play for a different academy is a big decision for a 15-year-old.
Palace unlikely to land Nketiah
In other news, Palace were seen as the frontrunners to sign Eddie Nketiah, when it seemed likely he would move on from Arsenal.
The Englishman has played just 38 minutes for the Gunners in the league this season, and is in the final six months of his contract.
However, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has claimed he will remain with the side.
“He’s our player and he’s going to stay with us,” he said.
Indeed, that sounds like an end to the rumours of him moving on for now.
READ MORE: Arsenal move back on after Burnley eye £12m Crystal Palace transfer; second deal unlikely
