Bhoy, what a prospect in Dembele

THE scouts were out in force at the Etihad.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Spurs were represented from the Premier League while Paris Saint-germain and Red Bull Leipzig were also keeping tabs.

They were all watching Celtic’s Moussa Dembele, whose performances in the Champions League have made him one of the most sought-after players in Europe.

Dembele, 20, scored twice in Celtic’s first game against City in Glasgow but his reputation was already established as a quick, athletic and prolific striker.

It is now 17 goals in 29 games this season and, most importantly, he has shone on Europe’s big stage to prove that he is ready for the next step.

Dembele (above) should have made it 18 early on, but fired into the side netting.

But his all-round performance was full of energy, running and the scouts would have gone home with glowing reports. But what is really interesting about Dembele was the decision to go to Celtic last summer when he had the chance to go to PSG or Spurs the previous window.

Dembele signed for Celtic largely because Brendan Rodgers sold him a dream and the chance to develop his talent playing first-team football rather than being stuck on a substitutes’ bench.

That decision ultimately cost Fulham a lot of money because Celtic only had to pay £500,000 in compensation – and now the Scottish champions stand to make one hell of a profit.

But, before Dembele leaves, it is worth remembering his age and how much he has improved by playing every week.

Rodgers pointed to his ability as a coach when he first met Dembele.

It was a hard sell but it worked and there is no rush to leave in January.

There will be big bids in the summer.

But if Dembele ends up staying another season, then, on this evidence, his career is in good hands.