By:
Mark Hendry
Celtic are interested in Shamrock Rovers striker Michael Noonan – but they face competition in January.
We told you how the Hoops want Noonan on a pre-contract this window with a view to signing him when he turns 18.
The 17-year-old County Kildare native had an excellent campaign with Shamrock Rovers last season.
And that has sparked a race for his signature between numerous top clubs in the UK.
Manchester United have been linked with the attacker, as have Hoffenheim in Germany and Chelsea.
Hoffenheim already have Irish youngsters in their II squad in the form of Matt Moore and Finn Sherlock.
So the Bundesliga outfit are no strangers to the market.
Why Michael Noonan Celtic transfer is ‘more likely’
It’s claimed they have had a seven-figure offer booted into touch by Rovers who want above €2million.
A move to Parkhead to the Scottish Champions, though, may make more sense.
And that is because of the links between both clubs and the money-man behind deals.
The Irish Times report that billionaire Dermot Desmond is the biggest shareholder at Celtic with a 34 percent stake.
And he is also a shareholder inside Shamrock Rovers with 25 percent of the club belonging to the businessman.
Martin O’Neill, the Hoops’ interim manager, needs firepower up front to join fellow Shamrock alum Johnny Kenny.
But Noonan is still young and may not necessarily be seen by the Scottish giants as an option for right away.
That could work against them, possibly, with Noonan having already played 51 professional games in different competitions – including Conference League fixtures.
Still, Celtic clearly have links to Irish football with defender Liam Scales also turning out in Glasgow.
Celtic also hold Vinnie Leonard interest at Dundalk and are in the midst of a similar signing battle.
The full-back has other interest from clubs in the Premier League with Crystal Palace admirers of Leonard.
Celtic want Noonan and other young Irish talent
That would leave Celts in another fight despite them being in Leonard’s final four options.
The Times, meanwhile, also claim Chelsea are keen on Noonan with their head of scouting hailing from Dublin.
That would explain the interest there.
A Rovers spokesperson told the Irish Times: “Value will be dictated by marketplace.
“Could go higher than [€2 million], [with] multiple interested parties already.”
Noonan would not be the only player to leave the League of Ireland for England if he does move.
His club team-mate Victor Ozhianvuna has recently agreed a deal with Arsenal.
Noonan, because of Brexit rules, could only move to UK clubs from July 31.
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