The Athletic‘s Celtic correspondent Kieran Devlin has confirmed reports that Celtic winger Ben Doak is being pursued by high-profile Premier League teams.

It was claimed last month that the 16-year-old was being targeted by Liverpool and, while he doesn’t mention the Reds by name, Devlin does say that English sides are keeping tabs on the player:

“He has started attracting attention from Champions League clubs down south. Celtic, who have lost many of their best young talents to English clubs and Bayern Munich in recent years, are understandably desperate to keep Doak.”

Doak has made two first-team appearances this season and, while the final decision to select him was down to manager Ange Postecoglou, it is believed there was a political element to the move.

The Hoops are trying to show the teenager that there is a path to the first team for him. They are determined not to lose any more players to clubs abroad after a spate of departures in recent years. Liam Morrison, Barry Hepburn, Josh Adam, Liam Hughes and Vincent Angelini have all left over the past three seasons.

With clubs like Liverpool, and perhaps even Manchester City Chelsea and Manchester United, circling Doak, Celtic will be keen to tie him down to a professional contract as soon as possible.