HOOPS EYE £7.2m FRENCH TEEN ACE

CELTIC have made an approach for £7.2million-rated French wonderkid Nathanael Mbuku, according French sports publication Footmercato.

Reports indicate the champions have scouted the 18-year-old Stade de Reims forward who has also impressed Lille and Parma with his form in the first half of the season.

The rookie has apparently caught the eye of the Hoops scouts after just 12 first-team appearances in which he has scored one goal with an assist also to his credit. The Ligue I side are aware of the interest in their exciting talent, but insist they will not be involved in letting the player go at a bargain price.

Mbuku, who is predominantly left-footed and can play on either flank, is under contract until June 2023 after agreeing an extension last year.

The Parkhead men have of course, raided the French market in the past and paid their record fee of £9million for Odsonne Edouard from Paris Saint-Germain in June 2018.