Motherwell have granted David Turnbull permission to speak to Celtic after agreeing a fee with the Scottish Premiership champions which will break their club transfer record.
over the availability of Turnbull, who scored 15 goals from midfield in 30 appearances for Motherwell, but the Hoops have been the most aggressive in trying to sign him.
Celtic and Championship club Barnsley failed with £2m bids last Friday, the leaking of which irked the Glaswegian club, but they have have returned with a second and improved offer which matches Motherwell's valuation of the 19-year-old.
Motherwell's previous record transfer was the £1.75m sale of Phil O'Donnell to Celtic in 1994.
A statement from Motherwell read: "We have rejected several seven-figure offers for David in recent weeks, with clubs the length and breadth of the UK speaking to us about him. It is clear from that the fee we stand to receive fully maximises his potential value.
"We have continued to stand by what we believe is a fair value for David. In light of the negotiating stance we have adopted, the money we stand to receive will be transformational for us as we continue to operate as a fan-owned club."
Celtic were keen to avoid a situation developing similar to their pursuit of John McGinn last summer where they were strung along throughout the window only for the Hibs playmaker to end up signing for Aston Villa.
Turnbull's breakout season at Fir Park saw him named Scottish football writers' Young Player of the Season.
Although the teenager had plenty of interest from within England, beyond just City and Barnsley, Celtic was always considered his favourite destination if he was to leave Motherwell.
