Scottish Premiership side Celtic FC have been linked with West Ham United’s 18-year-old centre-forward Veron Parkes during the upcoming transfer window.
Parkes joined the Hammers youth side from Crystal Palace in 2017 and this season, the forward has netted an impressive 11 goals in 14 U18 Premier League matches for the London side.
But as per official reports, West Ham United have not been able to hold onto Veron Parkes for the 2020-21 season meaning the centre-forward will now be a free agent at the end of this month.
As per Football Insider: “It is confirmed that Parkes has been offered a professional contract by the Londoners but failed to accept it.
“A recruitment source has told Football Insider that the young striker made up his mind many weeks ago to quit the London Stadium when his scholarship deal expires at the end of this month.
AM: Veron Parkes (West Ham)
A really underrated and smart player who can operate as a 9, a 10, or anywhere along the attacking midfield line. Can do everything well and has reportedly rejected pro terms as interest in his services builds from elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/ScFFRDXq4x— Chelsea Youth (@chelseayouth) May 22, 2020
“Official confirmation that West Ham’s attempts to tie Parkes to a new deal have fallen flat has come in the last 24 hours with the Premier League clubs publishing their official retained lists.”
This is a massive boost for Neil Lennon and his plans to lure in Parkes to Scotland in the summer but the Bhoys will have to give him a guarantee of regular first-team football next season which could be a tad bit difficult given that the Parkhead outfit has Odsonne Edouard in their squad.
Also, Celtic FC aren’t the only clubs interested in landing the former West Ham man since clubs like AS Monaco and New York Red Bulls are also keeping tabs on the 18-year-old striker.
