Celtic are reported to have held talks over signing Ajay Matthews from Middlesbrough.

The 18-year-old striker, with a year left on his contract, could leave next summer for a nominal development fee if his deal is not renewed.

While Celtic are in the market for a new striker, it is unrealistic to expect Matthews, who played in the U-18 Premier League last season, to provide immediate competition or cover for Kyogo Furuhashi.

Matthews has also featured in three friendlies for the England U-18 side. The Secret Scout, a Twitter account with over 200,000 followers, broke the news of Celtic’s interest.

In recent seasons, Celtic have signed young strikers like Joey Pearson and Jonny Kenny, but neither has made significant strides towards first-team football.

Pearson made a solitary substitute appearance in December 2021 without further progression, while Kenny is currently on his second loan spell at Shamrock Rovers after a brief stint at Queen’s Park.

Next season, Celtic can offer Matthews the chance to play in both the Lowland League and the UEFA Youth League, under the guidance of Darren O’Dea, the newly appointed Professional Pathway Manager.

Matthews has shown promise, but his transition from youth football to senior level remains a question. His experience with the England U-18s highlights his potential, but the physicality and pace of the Scottish Premiership will be a new challenge.

Celtic’s recent history with young strikers suggests a cautious approach. Pearson and Kenny, despite their initial promise, have yet to make a substantial impact. Matthews will need to prove he can break this trend and make his mark at Parkhead.

The pursuit of Matthews aligns with Celtic’s broader strategy of nurturing young talent. With O’Dea overseeing his development, Matthews could benefit from a structured pathway to the first team. This opportunity could be pivotal for the young striker, offering him a platform to showcase his abilities at a higher level.

Celtic’s interest in Matthews indicates their commitment to investing in the future. The club’s emphasis on youth development and creating a robust pipeline for emerging talent underscores their long-term vision. If Matthews can adapt and thrive, he could be a valuable asset for Celtic in the coming years.