Celtic face ‘real competition’ from Hearts to sign Scottish wonderkid amid Derek McInnes bond
Celtic have been linked with a highly-rated Scottish Under-21 international
Scottish champions Celtic are expected to be active in the transfer window as they aim to propel themselves back to the top of the table after an underwhelming start to the campaign.
The Hoops currently sit in second position and are in danger of surrendering their status as champions after four successive title defences. The Bhoys are seven points behind leaders Hearts, who have stormed into a surprise lead at the summit after a remarkable 12-match unbeaten run.
The holders were heavily criticised for a lack of activity over the summer but are expected to be involved in a key overhaul in 2026 to refresh the team.
Celtic aren’t likely to push for Kilmarnock’s David Watson
According to 67 Hail, despite speculation, Celtic may notpursue David Watson in January.
The Scottish under-21 international, who currently plays his football for Kilmarnock is out of contract in the summer and has earned plaudits for a series of stellar displays at Rugby Park. Overall, at the age of 20, he’s impressively already racked up 118 senior appearances and counting for Killie, scoring 13 times and providing five assists.
He’s seen as the calibre of player that could one day break into the Scotland first team setup and has been tipped to make a move to the champions, who are able to begin pre-contract negotiations from January onwards.
GRV reporter Graeme Bailey, however, claims the holders might not definitely go down that road. Much will likely depend on who Celtic turn to as their next manager. As it stands, Martin O’Neil is in interim charge, but the popular former manager is not expected to be around to oversee transfer activity in January. Instead the role is likely to go to Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy, who is the overwhelming favourite with most reporters at this stage.
Hearts could hijack Celtic’s move for David Watson
League leaders Hearts are seen as one of the frontrunners to sign David Watson this term.
Their manager Derek McInnes is someone that shares a real knowledge of Watson having coached him at Kilmarnock for more than three years before his decision to relocate to Edinburgh.
"He came and spoke to us, wished us all the best and that was it," said 20-year-old midfielder Watson after McInnes decision to leave.
"I have nothing but respect for the guy, he gave me my first start in the SPFL and he's taken us from the Championship to playing in Copenhagen [in the Conference League], so I wish him all the best.
"He's been absolutely brilliant for us. He's kind of kick-started my career into what it's been so far and I'm nearly reaching my 100th game mark and most of them have been under him, so I'm nothing but thankful for him.
"Everybody liked him, we all got along good, we had a great togetherness within the staff and the players, but that's football, we just need to move on now and we're looking ahead to the game on Sunday."