Champions grab Coffey

Celtic have beaten off competition from Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City to land Irish teenager Barry Coffey.

The 16-year-old playmaker played for Chelsea last year in a youth tournament in Rotterdam and had been offered trials by both Manchester clubs. But the youngster, who made his name playing for Nenagh AFC in his homeland, has opted to join the Scottish champions and has signed a three-year deal with the Parkhead club.

Coffey, who helped Ireland win the Victory Shield at Oriam in Edinburgh earlier this year, will join up with Celtic’s development squad for the forthcoming campaign.