Celtic and Arsenal are both pursuing Colchester United fullback Makhaya James, according to reports in the English media.

The 17-year-old has yet to make his first-team debut but he has impressed whilst playing for the League Two club’s youth teams this season.

James signed a two-year scholarship deal with Colchester last summer, after being spotted playing for the Kinetic Academy, which trains youngsters between 14 and 19.

The defender has had some experience of senior football already, having played for Southern Counties East League premier division side Glebe FC, but he has yet to make an appearance as a professional.

James is a left-back by trade and, if he does end up moving to the Hoops, he would likely be given opportunities for Celtic’s B team in the Lowland League. Seeing off competition from the likes of Arsenal, though, won’t be easy, and there are said to be plenty of other teams keeping tabs on the teenager.