CELTIC are set to pip Hibernian to the signing Irish striker Johnny Kenny, according to reports in his homeland.

The Leith club are understood to be interested in securing the services of the 18-year-old but the Sligo Champion claim that the forward is on a brink of a move to Parkhead, claiming that "Celtic are the frontrunners to get Kenny’s signature".

Kenny - who has 12 goals in 34 outings for Sligo Rovers - was at Easter Road for Hibs' 1-0 win over Dundee last month but it now appears that Celtic are front of the queue.

The centre-forward has a buy-out clause in his contract, meaning a fee of €150,000 (around £125,000) will be required. The Champion report that "potential add-ons for Rovers" could be included as part of the deal.

The transfer is expected to be concluded "in the coming days", the report adds.