Celtic have signed Bolton midfielder Luca Connell on a four-year deal, the club have confirmed.

The 18-year-old has also been the subject of interest from a number of English Premier League teams, including Burnley, Tottenham, Southampton and Brighton but the Hoops have managed to land the Irishman ahead of them.

Connell’s departure from Bolton is a complicated one. The Trotters are currently in administration and they initially refused to terminate the teenager’s scholarship with the club.

However, after taking legal advice, the English League One side opted to allow the Irish Under 18 international to make the switch to Celtic Park. It is said that the Bhoys will pay more than £250,000 in compensation to Bolton in order to settle any dispute.

Connell made 12 appearances for Bolton in all competitions last season. He generally plays as a holding midfield player but was also utilised at left-back and left wingback by the Trotters.

The teenager becomes Celtic’s second signing of the summer after the Scottish champions confirmed the capture of Toulouse defender Christopher Jullien yesterday.