Celtic have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, Edouard Michut...

What's the word?

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Old Firm outfit are facing intense competition in the race to sign the 19-year-old, with Championship side Sunderland said to have begun negotiations regarding a deal for the promising Frenchman.

Writing on Twitter about that interest, the transfer insider stated: "Sunderland have opened talks with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Édouard Michut. He’s their dream signing for the midfield. Talks will continue as there are many clubs interested in Michut since June."

Reports earlier this summer had suggested that the Scottish champions were eyeing a £2m move for the teenager, albeit with the Ligue 1 side said to be holding out for a fee of around £5m or a potential loan exit.

Blow for Ange

That will come as something of a blow to Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou, with the highly-rated starlet having seemingly been on the club's radar this summer, as they look to bolster their midfield ranks.

While the 56-year-old had moved to quash any interest earlier in the window, one report suggested that was merely a tactic to try and reduce the asking price, with the Glasgow side said to still be "keeping tabs" on the France U19 international, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Having seen the long-serving duo of Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton depart the club at the end of last season - with Ismaila Soro also joining Arouca earlier this summer - Postecoglou's midfield options have clearly been somewhat depleted.

Although the addition of Aaron Mooy has partially filled the void, another body could well be needed before the close of the window, particularly with domestic and European commitments to juggle this season.

Dubbed "highly technical" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Michut would seemingly help to provide an extra creative touch in the centre of the park, having already registered one assist from his eight senior outings to date at the Parcs des Princes.

While such inexperience may be of concern, the £2.7m-rated prospect has been tipped for big things during his time in France, having even been likened to teammate Marco Verratti for his ball-playing talent, while the Italian himself labelled his younger colleague as "decisive" back in January.

With Celtic having previously found success in bringing in a youthful Odsonne Edouard from PSG, the hope would have been to repeat that transfer masterclass this summer with the addition of Michut.

At present, it appears that the Black Cats could have stolen a march in the hunt for the youngster's signature, with that seemingly a notable blow for Postecoglou and co.