Celtic hold talks with two SPFL clubs over striking cooperation loan agreements as transfer exit confirmed
Scottish champions eyeing two new cooperation loan agreements with lower league clubs
Celtic are reportedly in discussions with two lower league SPFL clubs over the set-up of a cooperation loans system as they explore options to send some academy prospects out to get first-team exposure.
The Scottish champions had an agreement in place with Championship side Ayr United last season, when legendary former Hoops skipper Scott Brown was in charge at Somerset Park. The Honest Men signed the likes of Kyle Ure, Jude Bonnar and Ben Summers on temporary deals.
According to the Daily Record, talks have been held with League One newcomers East Kilbride and League Two side Dumbarton over striking a possible partnership, with the Sons already swooping to land 19-year-old goalkeeper Aiden Rice on a season-long loan deal.
Should an agreement be reached between the clubs involved, it would mean East Kilbride and Dumbarton have direct access to a talented pool of youngsters who may become available.
Celtic would still be able to recall any player if required or send them back out to their respective clubs after the transfer window deadline.
Unlike their Glasgow rivals Rangers, the Parkhead club are in no rush to send out youngsters on loan because they still have a B-team competing in the Lowland League. However, they will be keen to get any agreements in place before the start of the domestic campaign.
East Kilbride recruit ex-Celtic full-back on permanent deal
East Kilbride boss Michael Kennedy had previously dipped into Celtic’s youth system to bolster his title-winning squad during the winter window last term by snapping up full-back Andrew Kyle, who has since agreed a permanent deal with the South Lanarkshire outfit following his release.
“Andrew wanted to explore full-time opportunities first,” Kennedy told Lanarkshire Live Sport. “But we eventually got to the position where East Kilbride is the best place for him to be now after leaving Celtic.
”We are delighted to get him because he was our number one target in terms of a left-back. There were a few moments where it looked like it wouldn’t happen, but we held off a little bit because we were always hopeful we would get it over the line.
“I’m delighted to get there because he is technically very gifted. He has great athleticism, power and he’s an exception talent. I think he has a real chance and the next year is really important for him in the next stage of his career. If he does as well as I expect him to, he will have many suitors next season.
“As my time has progressed here at the club, we have moved to a younger recruiting model and that will be the model moving forward. We want to play a positive role in progressing young players’ careers, where we can both benefit from that.”