Rennes right-back Brandon Soppy has handed Celtic a big boost in their attempts to sign the 18-year-old.

The France Under 18 international has been linked with a move to RB Leipzig, as well as the Hoops, but when he was asked about a switch to Germany, he suggested it would not be something he’d consider due to the competition for places:

“Leipzig is a very good club, but I need some playing time. Would going there be the right solution? I think it might not be the right choice. There is Mukiele, Klostermann … But the Bundesliga is a championship that attracts me.”

In addition to Leipzig, Celtic’s other main rival for Soppy’s signature is believed to be Ligue One side Monaco, although it is said the Scottish champions are the keenest to snap up the player.

Reports in France last month indicated that a €1.5m (£1.3m) bid had already been lodged by the Hoops, although there have been no reliable sources in Scotland that have corroborated the story.

Whether manager Neil Lennon would actually need Soppy anyway, it is up for debate. As well as Hatem Abd Elhamed, Celtic also have Jeremie Frimpong to call upon at right-back