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Celtic have been linked with a move for John Mahon.

According to The Express (February 19th, page 47) via The Daily Record, the Sligo Rovers defender was watched by Willie McStay in the opening match of the League of Ireland season against Dundalk on Friday night.

McStay is a former manager of Sligo with extensive contacts throughout the Irish game, and the Hoops are always keen to bring in young talent ahead of the big spending English clubs.

Mahon has a 18 months left to run on his current contract, effectively two seasons, with Sligo reportedly looking for a six-figure fee for the 19-year-old who recently picked up his first u-21 cap.

Derby County and Blackburn Rovers have both been credited with an interest in Mahon but the emotional pull of Celtic and the prospect of working with Brendan Rodgers would be hard to resist.

With Filip Benkovic returning to Leicester City in the summer and Dedryck Boyata out of contract, Celtic are in need of new central defenders.

At 19 years of age Mahon has a lot to learn but Rodgers was happy to pitch Kris Ajer into his first team plans last season.