Celtic could well be in line to make a surprise swoop for Chelsea playmaker Ross Barkley, with the Parkhead outfit reportedly one of a number of clubs who are keeping tabs on the Englishman.

What's the word?

That's according to journalist Simon Phillips - speaking to GIVEMESPORT - who revealed that the 28-year-old has a whole host of clubs who are interested in signing him this summer, with the Englishman looking set to leave Stamford Bridge before the September deadline.

The transfer insider has included the Hoops as one of the potential suitors for the 33-cap gem, stating: "With Ross Barkley, he’s got a lot of other clubs interested in him at the moment so it’s not just Everton. He’s got Brighton, Newcastle, West Ham and Aston Villa and Celtic. So got plenty of options to go to.”

The recent suggestion, however, has been that the former Everton man could be on his way back to Goodison Park, with the Toffees said to be in 'advanced talks' regarding a potential homecoming.

Rogic heir

That fact should ensure that the Old Firm giants act swiftly if they are to pluck the midfielder from west London this summer, with Barkley seemingly the man who could fill the creative void left behind by Tom Rogic.

The elegant Aussie left the Glasgow side at the end of last season after an almost decade-long stint with the Scottish champions, winning a remarkable haul of seven league titles in that time and proving himself a hugely popular figure among the club's support.

A real, dynamic threat in the final third, the 29-year-old was particularly integral to the title triumph under manager Ange Postecoglou last term, recording an impressive haul of six goals and six assists in 32 Scottish Premiership outings.

While compatriot Aaron Mooy has since been added in the wake of the 6 foot 2 ace's exit to try and replace his creative threat, it could no doubt take a further addition for the club to truly be able to replace Rogic's undeniable influence.

In Barkley then, Postecoglou could well have found the perfect fit to step into the 51-cap gem's shoes, with the Liverpool-born "diamond" - as dubbed by Trevor Sinclair - set to prove a notable coup if he is to arrive at Celtic Park in the coming weeks.

The £100k-per-week menace would no doubt prove a sizeable investment for the Hoops if he were to sign, although the club would be gaining a player of real quality and invaluable elite-level experience.

Once likened to Three Lions legend, Paul Gascoigne, the once-promising talent has seen his career somewhat stall during what's been a frustrating spell with the Blues, although there is clearly still a real quality asset in there somewhere.

The fleet-footed sensation has proven that with his respectable Premier League record to date, chipping in with 57 goal contributions in 232 league games, with that haul including a tally of 29 top-flight goals.

Even amid a frustrating stint at his current side, the £10.8m-rated man has still provided 23 goals and assists in 99 games for the Blues, with such statistics showcasing a player who can provide that cutting edge as the link between midfield and attack.

Rogic assumed that role so brilliantly for so long at Celtic - scoring 46 goals and providing 49 assists in 272 games during his time in Scotland - with Barkley now the man to take his place as the new creative hub of the team.