Scottish Premier League side Celtic are reported to be involved in discussions to become substantial shareholders of Shamrock Rovers.
Per the Irish Mail, Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond is driving the deal. Desmond is an Irish businessman who previously held a stake in Manchester United. The deal would see Celtic have first refusal on signing youth players.
For Shamrock Rovers, they would benefit with loan deals for Celtic players in need of first-team football.
The two clubs regularly play pre-season friendlies against each other. Goalkeeping wonder-kid Gavin Bazunu, who recently signed for Manchester City, was reported to have gone on trial at Celtic before opting for the Premier League club. Manager Brendan Rodgers also enjoys a close relationship with Stephen Bradley, having worked with the Hoops boss when he was a player at Arsenal.
Sydney-based businessman Ray Wilson, who owns a major stake in Rovers, will return from Australia to discuss the deal later this month.
