Celtic are rivalling Tottenham Hotspur for St Patrick’s Athletic striker Mason Melia, and he has chosen which side he prefers to join between the Parkhead club and Spurs, according to the Sun.
The 17-year-old could leave the Republic of Ireland during the January transfer window as Eintracht Frankfurt and Genk are keen on beating both the Hoops and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium club to his services.
Celtic are very interested in acquiring the services of Melia, but he is keen on joining Spur, and the North London club tabled a bid last month.
However, St Patrick’s Athletic knocked back their £1 million offer, which could give the Bhoys an opportunity in the race.
Melia cannot join a British club until January 2026 due to Brexit rules, after which he would have turned 18, ruling out an immediate move to Celtic or Tottenham this month or in the summer.
However, a deal could be set up this month and it can then be completed in a year’s time.
Clubs outside Britain can sign him this month as he has an EU passport, and both Frankfurt and Genk will be monitoring the situation.
Celtic see Melia as a potential future star after he became the youngest goalscorer in League of Ireland history in June 2023, when he came off the bench against UCD to find the net aged 15 years and 281 days old.
Ha caught the eyes of Spurs and co in Europe when St Patrick’s took on Istanbul Basaksehir in the Conference League playoff last August, and it is believed he could soon be on his way out of the League of Ireland even if he does not leave this month.
Despite his huge talents and potential, breaking into the first-team at Celtic or Tottenham right now will be almost impossible for Melia.
However, he has another year to keep improving and showing suitors what he is capable of, and more clubs could emerge in the pursuit of his services in January 2026 or in the summer of 2026.
