CELTIC boss Ronny Deila is keeping tabs on Hibs’ in-demand midfielder Scott Allan.
The Scotland Under-21 international has already slapped in a transfer demand which has been rejected by Easter Road boss Alan Stubbs.
However, the Edinburgh side risk allowing their hottest property to leave for nothing at the end of the season when he is out of contract.
The Championship Player of the Year signed on a free transfer from West Brom at the start of the last campaign after the Hawthorns outfit decided against extending his deal.
Allan, 23, was rated one for the future when he originally made the breakthrough at Dundee United in 2010.
Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon took an interest in the classy performer before he was lured south.
The Celtic scouts have also been impressed by Allan’s forceful midfield performances and ex-Celt Stubbs has already knocked back three bids in recent weeks.
He is adamant the club will not sell to a Championship rival and that may open the door for Deila to make his move.
A higher Celtic bid would suit Hibs financially and would also ensure that the player is not playing league football against the Easter Road side this season.
Despite the player publicly declaring that he is a West of Scotland football supporter, Deila’s interest remains, believing that he could develop the player.
Another name that was on Celtic’s long term shopping list was ex-Hearts skipper Danny Wilson. Deila followed up on the club’s interest by extensively scouting the player during Hearts’ procession to the Championship, before taking the decision not to sign the player.
Wilson subsequently moved to the West of Scotland side but if Allan is to travel along the M8 for signing talks it may well be that he comes off the motorway a little bit earlier than previously expected.
