Celtic look set to secure the signing of Daniel Kelly on a professional contract in the coming days.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Record, who claim that, despite interest from both Liverpool and Arsenal, the 16-year-old starlet has rejected the chance to move south of the border, and has instead agreed a deal which will see him remain at Parkhead for the next three years – something which should be completed by the end of the week.

The report goes on to state that the midfielder, who was also linked with a move to Portuguese giants Benfica last year, decided to remain in Glasgow after being convinced that there is a clear pathway to the first-team under the management of Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou will be buzzing

With one of Celtic’s most exciting up and coming academy prospects, Ben Doak, reported to be on the verge of sealing a move to Liverpool, the news that the Bhoys have fought off the Reds’ interest in another of their more promising starlets in the shape of Kelly is sure to have left Postecoglou buzzing.

Indeed, Celtic have formed something of an unwanted habit of losing their more talented youngsters to bigger clubs in recent seasons, with the likes of Josh Adam, Connor McBride and Liam Morrison all moving on to pastures new for little or no transfer fee whatsoever.

And, considering just how highly-rated Kelly is by those at Parkhead, the potential of the Hoops yet again waving goodbye to a teenager who appears to have an extremely bright future in the professional game would have undoubtedly come as a gutting blow to the Greek-Australian manager and his side.

However, with it now looking as if the 16-year-old has rejected the opportunity to join both Liverpool and Arsenal in favour of continuing his development at Celtic, supporters of the club and Postecoglou alike will certainly be extremely relieved.

AND in other news: £3.5m down the drain: Celtic’s “rank rotten” £43k-p/w “passenger” rinsed Peter Lawwell