The transfer chase for in-demand Brandon Soppy has taken another twist as Lille enter the race amid Celtic's interest.
Record Sport revealed that the Rennes full-back was on Ange Postecoglou 's radar as part of an extensive summer rebuild in Glasgow's east end.
The 19-year-old is understood to be available for around £4million as the defender approaches the final year of his contract.
French newspaper L'Equipe claimed that Celtic would have to fight it out with Watford and Serie A side Udinese, but it now appears another suitor is leading the pursuit.
Mercato state that the Ligue 1 champions are stepping up their interest in the versatile defender, with the squad facing a rebuild with clubs being forced to slash wage budgets following the French TV deal renegotiation.
The report states that club president Olivier Létang is a huge admirer of Soppy and is set to be the first to table a bid for the starlet.
They state "while no offers have yet been submitted" things are expected to "pick up speed very quickly."
They note that the waiting game being played by Celtic could allow Lille "to pull the rug out from under them".
Celtic are expected to step up their recruitment drive this week with Carl Starfelt on the brink of joining the club.
With the focus on the Champions League playoff and Starfelt, the bid for Soppy looks to be on hold.
