Everton are the latest English Premier League team to enter the race for Celtic attacking midfielder Rocco Vata, according to TEAMtalk reporter Harry Watkinson.

The journalist says the Toffees are among “several clubs” who are keeping tabs on the teenager, with his contract set to expire this summer:

Understand Everton are one of several clubs keeping tabs on 18-year-old Celtic forward Rocco Vata.

He’s scored 12 goals in 15 league games for Hoops’ B side this season and contract expires in May. #EFC #Celtic pic.twitter.com/uSjlh073qy

— Harry Watkinson (@HJWatkinson) March 27, 2024

Vata has been given first-team opportunities by manager Brendan Rodgers this season, having featured in two matches for the senior side, against Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup where he scored his first senior goal, and Aberdeen in the league.

However, most of his appearances have been for the B team, scoring 12 times in 15 games, helping his side to 6th in the Lowland League table.

Celtic have offered Vata a new contract

It is believed that the Hoops have tabled a contract extension that would keep the 18-year-old at Parkhead until 2027 but Vata has shown no signs of putting pen to paper on the new deal.

At the moment, it is looking increasingly likely that the Republic of Ireland Under 21 international will leave, with Celtic only receiving minimal compensation.

A host of teams across Europe are interested in the midfielder

In addition to Everton, other clubs in England such as Manchester City, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Watford have shown interest in Vata over the past 18 months.

There are also plenty of teams in Italy who have been mentioned as potential suitors, with the likes of Como, Sampdoria and Bologna believed to have already contacted the player’s entourage. For now, Vata remains a Celtic player but his future appears to lie away from Glasgow.