French journalist Manu Lonjon claims Celtic are in the hunt for defender Brandon Soppy.

Whether they’re able to prise him away from current side Rennes remains to be seen but they could repeat a similar trail of thought that was considered when signing Jeremie Frimpong.

What’s the word?

The journalist suggests the Hoops are one of three teams chasing Soppy’s signature. The teenager, who is yet to play a senior game, is also attracting the interest of Nice and RB Leipzig.

Soppy has starred at the U17 World Cup, taking his nation to third last year while he’s also stood out in the UEFA Youth League. In three matches this season, he was fouled seven times and earned just a solitary card, displaying a solid level of discipline and technical ability for someone so young.

Wolves were linked with a move for the right-back last year in a deal that was rumoured to cost €8m (£7.2m).

The current report mentions no price tag but that sounds like a sensible amount for such a promising player in today’s market.

Frimpong trick

A young right-back being brought in without a senior match to his name sounds remarkably like their current defender, Frimpong.

The 19-year-old arrived from Manchester City last summer on an initial £350,000 transfer as an unknown quantity but has taken to the Scottish top-flight like a duck to water.

Neil Lennon has since described him as outstanding, hailing the defender as one of the best young talents he has ever worked with.

Landing him was somewhat of a risk but it’s more than paid dividends despite an injury setback in 2020.

Possessing the ability to play on the right and on the left, he’s a versatile individual. Another comparison can be drawn to Soppy who can play at centre-half too.

The 18-year-old would potentially arrive with a hefty price tag but Lennon has already reaped the rewards from bringing in a young defender with room to grow.

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For a side renowned for developing talent and selling them on – take Moussa Dembele and Virgil van Dijk as examples – this could be another young prospect to add their ever-growing catalogue.

Soppy may be unheard of, but Celtic could very easily make him a household name. They must use Frimpong’s success as inspiration when pursuing the Frenchman.

Meanwhile, Celtic's £500k investment has MORE than paid off for the Hoops...