Celtic are back in the hunt to land James McCarthy – but they face a fight with several English clubs scrapping to land the Crystal Palace playmaker.
The Republic of Ireland cap is out of contract in the summer with Premier League outfits Burnley, Brighton and West Brom, along with Championship side Bournemouth all keeping tabs.
Neil Lennon 's men are also in the running but uncertainty over the manager's future could delay any formal approach.
He considered a move for the ex- Hamilton Accies hero last summer but a move was put off by Palace after the 30-year-old impressed last term.
McCarthy made a barnstorming start to the current campaign, but has been struck by injuries and restricted to just eight appearances.
The midfielder could be tempted back to Scotland after a successful decade down south following his record £3m move from Accies to Wigan in 2009 and £13m switch to Everton four years later.
McCarthy suffered a horrendous double leg break in 2018 but returned to fitness and joined Palace in 2019 – but now looks set for an exit at the end of the season.
Meanwhile Celtic are understood to be among the front runners to land long-term target Tom Ince in a loan deal until the end of the season.
The 28-year-old Stoke City midfielder was touted for a move north last summer and is currently considering his options, with several Championship sides also registering interest.
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