Celtic hold talks to sign Middlesbrough striker

Celtic are expected to strengthen their squad this summer. Despite winning the Premiership and Scottish Cup double last season, it was not always smooth sailing for Brendan Rodgers' side. There were many occasions when they looked shaky and a key reason behind the Hoops' success was the Rangers' constant struggles.

That is not something Celtic should continue to rely on. At the same time, there needs to be an urge to improve in Europe as well.

It is not just at the first-team level that Celtic seem to be looking to improve in. It looks like they have their eyes on talented youngsters as well. But plenty of other clubs are in the race as well.

As tweeted by The Secret Scout, Ajay Matthews is set to leave Middlesbrough this summer. Celtic, Rangers, Southampton. Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford and Newcastle United are some of the clubs that have held discussions and are hopeful of signing him.

Celtic hold talks to sign Middlesbrough striker

Matthews is very highly-rated at Middlesbrough. He scored 16 goals in 17 starts for the youth team in the recent season and has represented England at U-17 level as well.

So, it is not hard to understand why there is plenty of interest in Matthews as he looks headed for the Middlesbrough exit door. Will he end up at Celtic Park? Only time shall tell.

Celtic do not have a great recent record when it comes to developing youngsters and promoting them to the first-team level. They have not been helped by the fact that many of them have chosen to depart the club before ever making an impact at the senior level.

Undoubtedly, that is an area where Celtic should look to improve moving forward. Signing a player like Matthews would be a step in the right direction.