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Everton are going to have to fight to keep hold of Ademola Lookman this January, and Celtic should absolutely throw their hat in the ring for the speedy youngster.

What's the word?

According to The Daily Star (via HITC), Southampton want to sign Lookman before the end of the January window.

The 21 year-old fits the bill of the pacey, direct winger Ralph Hasenhuttl is searching for, and also worked with the new Saints’ boss at Red Bull Leipzig.

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However, the Toffees are unlikely to entertain the notion of giving Lookman to a Premier League rival, so Celtic could one-up Southampton with a loan bid for the winger.

Why do they need him?

The Bhoys have just added Timothy Weah and Vakoun Issouf Bayo, but Lookman has more experience at the top level than both of them combined, racking up an impressive five goals and three assists during a six-month stay in the Bundesliga last season.

The Everton youngster has only played 309 Premier League minutes this season, grabbing one assist, but his ability to skip past defenders, create space for others and whip in dangerous crosses would be a match made in heaven for Odsonne Edouard.

The better Merseyside loanee?

Rangers have exploded out of the starting blocks in the January transfer window, and Celtic have some catching up to do.

Lookman is a bright prospect with a high ceiling though, and if Brendan Rodgers can get the type of production out of him that Steven Gerrard has got from Liverpool loanee Ryan Kent then it would be a very fruitful move.

In fact, Lookman is faster, more direct and a better technician than his red rival at Ibrox, so a loan move for the former Charlton wonderkid really is a no brainer.

So, Celtic fans, would you back a loan move for Lookman? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…