Celtic keen to pip Tottenham to Linfield’s Allen – why it would be a great signing

Celtic are reportedly ready to make a move for Linfield attacking midfielder Charlie Allen.

According to Football Insider, the Hoops have offered the attacking midfielder the chance to come to Scotland and train with the club ahead of making the teenager a proposed offer.

Tottenham were thought to be leading the race for the in-demand Northern Irishman by being the first side to offer him a trial, but it looks as if the Scottish champions want to pip the Premier League giants in a move for the 15-year-old.

Leeds United, Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City have all been keeping tabs on the player, who is regarded as a future star.

The Hoops have already added two highly-rated teenagers to their ranks in recent weeks, with goalkeeper Tobi Oluwayemi and defender Leo Hjelde both agreeing three-year deals with the club.

And if Celtic can also secure Allen’s services, it would definitely turn out to be a great piece of business.

The teenager burst onto the scene with Linfield last season, with David Healy handing the midfielder his first-team debut back in April.

The Northern Ireland Under 17 international can play as an attacking midfielder and in a centre forward role, catching the eye across Britain with his tireless work-rate and technical ability.

Allen is known for his goalscoring prowess back in his home country, along with his impressive passing range when in a deeper role and overall intelligent play.

It appears as if a bright central attacking talent for the future is just what Celtic need, with the Hoops known for their development of turning prospects into stars in a short space of time.

And even though Allen doesn’t appear ready at this moment in time for regular playing time in the Scottish Premiership, it wouldn’t take him long until he breaks into Lennon’s first-team plans at Celtic Park.