Newcastle United have joined the race to sign reported Celtic target Gavin Bazunu, as reports emerging from Ireland.
Still only 16, Bazunu is above Alan Mannus in the pecking order at Shamrock Rovers and he has been keeping the former St Johnstone No.1 and Northern Ireland international out of the team, and had a trial at Celtic earlier this summer.
Liverpool have also been running the rule over Bazunu – 20 years younger than Mannus – and reports in Newcastle suggest the Magpies have also indicated interest in the youngster.
It is believed that the English Premier League side are looking at shaking up their Under-23 set-up and Bazunu’s four clean sheets in his first four senior appearances drew Newcastle’s attention.
Bazunu, who started for the Hoops against Swedish side AIK in the Europa League, saved a penalty in Rovers’ 0-0 draw with Cork City last week, and his manager Stephen Bradley already sang his praises hailing him “special”.
Celtic were linked with Arsenal’s Arthur Okonkwo earlier this year, but the youngster chose to remain at the North London club.