Stoke City have made the first move of the January window for Alfie Doughty - but Celtic remain in the hunt.
The English Championship outfit tabled a six figure bid for the versatile left-sided player on Tuesday.
Charlton Athletic are keen to cash in on Doughty now rather than running the risk of losing him under freedom of contract in the summer.
There is other English interest outside of Michael O’Neill ’s bid and the Addicks are hoping that increased interest will push up his value.
Celtic failed with multiple bids for Doughty in the last window and have maintained their interest.
The Scottish champions are watching the situation closely and are likely to make a pre-contract offer at the very least.
Celtic know they could get him cross-border for a knockdown price compared to what Charlton could command if he was to remain in England.
The Hoops could be forced to move more quickly if an English bid is accepted but they also know that it would need to be a deal that Doughty also finds satisfactory.
Doughty plays on the left of midfield for Charlton but Celtic believe he could be the long-term solution to their left-back problems.
The Parkhead side have Greg Taylor for that position and currently have Diego Laxalt on loan from AC Milan.
But there is no option to buy in the Uruguayan's deal and he could return to Italy in the summer if Celtic won't meet the reported £7.2million asking price.
