Celtic youngster Bosun Lawal told to seek Parkhead exit as EFL trio eye summer transfer battle

Bosun Lawal has been told his future will be better off away from Celtic, with EFL clubs reportedly lining up to try and sign the Irishman next summer.

Lawal, 20, joined the Hoops from Watford's youth set up in the summer of 2021 and quickly became a regular starter in the club's B team in the Lowland League. After making a solitary appearance in a Scottish Cup clash against Morton in January 2023 under Ange Postecoglou, he was recruited by former Celtic skipper and the then Fleetwood Town manager Scott Brown on a season-long loan deal.

Despite the Cods relegation to the English fourth tier -with Brown and his successor Lee Johnson both getting the sack during the campaign - Lawal has been a standout performer, with six goals and two assists in 42 league matches for a side that are now managed by ex Rangers and Scotland man Charlie Adam.

He is contracted at Parkhead until the summer of 2026 and is expected to report back to the east end of Glasgow to be assessed by Brendan Rodgers in the summer. However, Lawal's displays have put several EFL clubs on notice, with QPR, Portsmouth, and Derby County all believed to be interested in the Republic of Ireland U21 international's services.

Lawal has revealed he has been in constant dialogue with his parent club, with the champions hopeful he can stake a claim in Rodgers' first team squad next season. But according to former English Premier League star Carlton Palmer, a move to the English Championship should be Lawall's next course of action.

Speaking to FLW, he said: "A host of clubs are interested in Celtic's Republic of Ireland prospect.One of the teams that are leading the race is QPR, but Derby and Portsmouth have already registered their interest in the young player. He's