CELTIC STRIKER SCRAMBLE

CELTIC are set to be involved in a six-way scramble for Wigan striker Kyle Joseph when the teenager’s contract expires at the end of the month.

The Hoops have been eyeing the Scotland Under-21 attacker for most of the season and attempted to land him on a pre-contract in January at the same time they arranged a deal with Sheffield Wednesday’s versatile 20-year-old Liam Shaw who can operate in central defence or midfield.

Joseph, though, decided to keep his options open and the third tier English club have offered him an extension to remain at the DW Stadium, as CQN reported.

However, the bustling forward, who scored five goals in 20 appearances, is still undecided and that has opened the door for interested teams to join the rush for the hot prospect.

Preston North End and relegated Sheffield United are now among the clubs who have axpressed an interest and Swansea City, who missed out in the Championship Play-Off to Brentford at the weekend, have also joined the queue, according to a report in LancsLive.

Celtic, Spurs and Newcastle, who are willing to pay £500,000 for the player, have been long-term admirers.

Joseph will be available on a free transfer on June 30, but any club which signs him would have to pay a compensation fee owing to his age.

He would cost the Hoops around £300,000 in a cross-border switch.