Arsenal are also in the race for Liverpool are keen on signing Arda Güler's services (Credits: Imago Images)
Celtic’s hopes of keeping teenage defender Dara Jikiemi have been dealt a significant blow after the 16-year-old turned down a new long-term contract offer.
The Scottish champions tabled a fresh deal for the highly rated youngster, but Jikiemi rejected the offer in recent days, leaving his future at the club in serious doubt.
Celtic have now been formally informed of Jikiemi’s decision, with the centre-back widely expected to leave the club this summer.
Liverpool have been strongly linked with the young defender for several months, with Record Sport first breaking the story of their interest back in November.
The Anfield club are considered favourites to secure a deal and have remained firmly in the mix throughout the lengthy transfer pursuit.
Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest have also expressed interest in the talented teenage defender, making this a competitive race for his signature.
Jikiemi captains Scotland at youth level, adding further weight to the significant attention he has attracted from top English Premier League clubs.
Celtic will be entitled to training compensation for the loss of their academy product, though that figure will be reduced if Jikiemi completes a cross-border move to England.
The situation draws clear parallels with the departure of Ben Gannon-Doak, the Scotland international whom Liverpool signed from Celtic back in 2022.
This latest development represents another damaging blow to the Celtic academy, which has seen several of its most promising graduates leave for English clubs in recent seasons.
Conall Glancy departed for Tottenham Hotspur, while Daniel Cummings moved to West Ham United, Aidan Borland signed for Aston Villa, and Rory Mahady joined Leeds United.
The recurring pattern of talent departures raises serious questions about Celtic’s ability to retain their most gifted young players in the face of Premier League interest.
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