Celtic have entered the battle for Middlesbrough striker Calum Kavanagh, according to reports in the English media.

The Ireland Under 17 international could leave Boro, having yet to sign a professional contract, and it has led to the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle and Leicester showing an interest in the teenager, as well as the Hoops.

Kavanagh is the son of former Cardiff midfielder Graham Kavanagh, and he has been racking up the goals this season in the Under 18 Premier League.

The 16-year-old has scored six in 13 appearances for Boro, while he also made a substitute appearance in the FA Youth Cup back in January, coming on for the final 30 minutes in the 4-1 win defeat to West Brom in the fourth round.

Middlesbrough are said to be determined to keep Kavanagh, with the Teessiders having offered a new three-year deal, but Celtic are believed to be keen to offer him the chance of making his first-team breakthrough at Parkhead.