Celtic Re-Ignite Talks With Irish Defender

Celtic have reopened talks with an Irish defender they have been tracking for over a year.

17-year-old Vinnie Leonard has been monitored closely by the Hoops, and according to the Daily Record, they have reportedly reignited their interest.

Leonard has attracted interest from clubs across Europe, including Genoa, Lyon and Norwich City.

Dundalk are not under pressure to sell. Any deal would require a significant six-figure fee, with add-ons on top. For a League of Ireland club, that is a serious valuation, but it reflects both Leonard’s potential and the competition circling.

If Wilfried Nancy’s side are successful in capturing his signature, he would likely remain at Dundalk until the end of the season before making the move to Celtic Park.

That approach suits all sides. Dundalk keep their player for the season as Leonard continues his development without disruption. The Bhoys secure a prospect early while avoiding the risks of shelving a teenager in an academy environment too soon.

He signed his first professional contract with Dundalk last year, a move designed to protect the club’s position rather than signal any long-term stay.

He featured for Ireland at the U17 World Cup in November, playing the full 90 in five games and scoring against Switzerland in the round of 16.