Celtic accelerate talks for Tottenham's Alfie Devine as first summer signing looms

Celtic have stepped up their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Alfie Devine, with discussions accelerating as Brendan Rodgers looks to land his first signing of the summer window. The 21-year-old impressed during a season-long loan at Championship side Preston North End, where he racked up eight goals and six assists in 45 league appearances. His form convinced Preston to pursue a permanent move, but their €7 million option-to-buy clause expired on July 1 without being triggered, opening the door for Celtic. According to the Glasgow Times, the Scottish champions are now “accelerating” talks with Spurs over a permanent deal for Devine, who is expected to leave his boyhood club before the September 1 deadline. Tottenham have a crowded midfield after signing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham and agreeing a deal for Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, with Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr also competing for minutes. Celtic’s interest comes after Rangers successfully borrowed Mikey Moore from Tottenham last season. The England U19 winger delivered 11 goal contributions in 47 games for Rangers and has been linked with a return to Ibrox. Now Celtic hope to replicate that blueprint by raiding Spurs’ academy for Devine. Martin O’Neill, acting as a Celtic scout, is understood to have watched Devine during a trip to Preston in May. However, Celtic face competition from Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are interested after their relegation from the Premier League. Devine has made just two first-team appearances for Tottenham but is regarded as one of the club’s best recent academy graduates. With first-team opportunities limited, a permanent departure this summer appears inevitable.