Celtic looked set to sign Bolton Wanderers talent Luca Connell but Premier League newcomers Norwich and Championship outfit Boro are still allegedly keen.

Norwich City and Middlesbrough are both looking to snap up Bolton Wanderers youngster Luca Connell from under the noses of Celtic, according to the Sun.

The 18-year-old has been linked with a move away from crisis club Bolton since January and it seems that the race for his signature is now heating up.

Celtic were expected to announce Connell as their first signing of the summer with the Sun reporting that manager Neil Lennon had opened talks over a cut-price deal. As Connell is not tied down to a professional contract by Bolton, he will cost a compensation fee of around £250,000.

But Norwich and Middlesbrough are not willing to give up just yet.

Norwich’s sporting director Stuart Webber is apparently considering making an offer for the versatile midfielder/full-back, who was recently called up for the Republic of Ireland’s senior squad for the first time.

Boro’s assistant coach Robbie Keane is understandably aware of Connell’s talents too given his ties to the Ireland camp.

It remains to be seen, however, whether both clubs have left it too late with Celtic right at the front of the queue as things stand.

But Connell could perhaps be tempted by the prospect of moving to Norwich given the amount of young talent who have exploded onto the scene at Carrow Road under Daniel Farke, including Max Aarons, Jamal Lewis and Todd Cantwell.

Celtic shouldn’t think this deal is done just yet.

In other news, 'Beautiful day': Some fans react to reports their player could make 8-figure Leeds move today