EXCLUSIVE: Celtic eyeing EFL hotshot to help tie down teen sensation
Celtic are ready to make a move for Siriki Dembele in the hope that it persuades his brother, Karamoko, to commit his future to the club, TEAMtalk understands.
Forward Siriki is currently starring for League One side Peterborough United and Celtic have been hugely impressed with his progress this term.
The 24-year-old joined Peterborough from Grimsby in 2018. He had having previously been in the youth set-ups at Dundee United and Ayr United. At one point, he was without a club before going through the Nike Football Academy.
Now, Siriki is attracting widespread interest, with Premier League and Championship clubs all taking a close look.
Wolves, Crystal Palace, Brentford, Queens Park Rangers and Derby County have all watched him in recent weeks. But it is Celtic who are pushing the hardest.
They also hold the advantage of being able to offer the player a pre-contract agreement in January. This would be with a view to a free transfer at the end of the season.
Should Celtic land Siriki, it could very well help them persuade Karamoko – widely regarded as one of the brightest young players in the country – to commit his long-term future to the Bhoys.
Karamoko – who has already featured for Neil Lennon’s first-team – is out of contract at the end of the season. Understandably, Celtic are desperate to tie him down.
The belief is that signing Siriki will aid that process. There is also a third brother, Hassan, 11, who is also in the club’s system.
ARSENAL, CHELSEA AFTER EX-TOTTENHAM STARLET
Meanwhile, TEAMtalk also understands that Arsenal and Chelsea are keen on AFC Wimbledon starlet Quaine Bartley.
The youngster has been tipped to make his first-team debut this season, despite only being 16 years of age.
The Dons snapped the teenager up after Tottenham let him go and, as such, the League One side feel they have a ‘gem’ on their hands.
