Celtic have joined the race for Northern Irish starlet Gavin Whyte.

The Express reports that the Scottish champions have invited the 19-year old Crusaders striker to train at Lennoxtown this month.

Hoops scouts have been regularly attending NIFL Premiership matches this season to watch Whyte closely and it is believed they have now made a move for him.

Whyte has already emerged on the radar of Everton, who have also offered him a trial, while West Ham United, Stoke City and Leicester City are also monitoring his progress.

A Crusaders insider told The Express: "A number of clubs have been looking at Gavin because he is one of the most exciting young players in Ireland.

"A lot of clubs in the English top flight are interested as well as Celtic.

"The Crusaders manager, Stephen Baxter, knocked back several trial offers during the season because he wanted him to focus on the domestic campaign.

"He has since agreed to let him go over to Everton and there has also been a request from Celtic.

"The manager is prepared to sanction both trials but after that if somebody wants Gavin then they will need to buy him."