Liverpool are poised to beat Celtic to the signature of Derry City winger Trent Kone-Doherty, according to reports in Ireland.

The 15-year-old has had trials with the Hoops in the past but Liverpool are believed to be close to sealing a pre-contract agreement with the player.

Kone-Doherty can sign on to professional terms when he turns 16 and he now looks set to make the switch to Merseyside this summer.

The teenager has already been called up for Ireland’s Under 17 side despite his young age, and he even got close to a first-team appearance for Derry City when he was selected on the bench for the game against St Patrick’s Athletic last week.

While Celtic may have lost out on Kone-Doherty, they have managed to keep one of their youngsters away from the clutches of English teams. Midfielder Daniel Kelly has committed his future to the club by signing his first professional contract.