Celtic set to beat Chelsea in race to sign highly-rated forward

A general view of Bolton's stadium. Picture: Getty images

Celtic could beat Chelsea to the signature of young Bolton forward Ronan Darcy, and could obtain the youngster’s services for a compensation fee.

The Blues are under a transfer embargo and are unable to sign players for the next two transfer windows, but the Hoops have been monitoring Darcy’s situation, with Bolton’s financial turmoil and relegation playing a part.

Cross-border rules allow Scottish clubs to sign English-based players for a far smaller amount than other teams in England would have to shell out.

Darcy’s performances for the Trotters’ Under-18 side in the FA Youth Cup caught the eye of numerous Premier League clubs, and propelled him to the first-team, starting in the final game of the campaign agianst Nottingham Forest.

Bolton aren’t without their off-field woes but they could face losing one of their brightest prospects for a nominal fee, with a Celtic source telling Football Insider that the Bhoys are preparing to steal a march on Chelsea by making a move for the 18-year-old.