It looks like Celtic have made an official proposal for the Irish centre-back as they look to bolster their defensive ranks.
Centre-back is one of the key positions Celtic are hoping to strengthen during the January transfer window, should the right opportunity arise. The Hoops have already been linked with Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurèle Amenda, although his situation remains uncertain, and he is far from the only option being monitored by the club.
Celtic’s need for defensive reinforcements has become more pressing due to their current lack of depth. Cameron Carter-Vickers is sidelined with injury and, when available, is usually a guaranteed starter despite some recent scrutiny over his form. His absence has left the club light at the back.
At present, Liam Scales and Auston Trusty are Martin O’Neill’s preferred centre-back pairing. However, both defenders are left-footed, which can complicate Celtic’s build-up play and overall balance in defence. Ideally, the club would like to add a right-footed centre-back to the squad to address that issue.
According to The Celtic Way, Celtic’s interest has now progressed beyond monitoring, with an official proposal submitted for Irish teenager Vinnie Leonard. The 17-year-old is understood to have several options on the table, with Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and Norwich City also in the running. Leonard is expected to make a decision on his future this weekend.
Despite his young age, Leonard has already amassed an impressive 40 senior appearances for Dundalk, highlighting just how highly he is rated. Whether he would be ready to step straight into Celtic’s first team is open to debate, although football has shown time and again that exceptional talents can break through early.
Competition for his signature will be fierce, and Celtic face a challenge in convincing Leonard to choose a move to Parkhead over the lure of English football, particularly given the club’s mixed record when it comes to developing young players into established first-team regulars.