Tottenham could be lining up another exit before the summer’s out, with Celtic pushing hard to land highly-rated midfielder Alfie Devine as the Scottish champions look to get a deal over the line.
Having already splashed out to overhaul the squad this window, Spurs look set to balance things up by fielding offers for players unlikely to get much game time under Roberto De Zerbi. Devine has emerged as one of the frontrunners for a permanent exit after spending much of the last few seasons out on loan building his experience away from north London.
The 21-year-old had a standout loan spell at Preston North End last season, cementing himself as one of the Championship’s most exciting young midfielders. His form earned him Preston’s Young Player of the Season award, and his eight goals for the campaign only sharpened interest in where his future lies.
Devine’s Tottenham story started when he signed for the club as a 15-year-old back in 2020. He soon made history as Spurs’ youngest-ever player, making his senior debut in an FA Cup win over Marine under José Mourinho. He picked up praise from both Mourinho and Antonio Conte for his technical ability and maturity, but regular first-team football never really materialized, and he’s spent much of his development away on loan instead.
Tottenham’s strong Premier League campaign, combined with a reported £185 million ploughed into strengthening the midfield, has made it tougher than ever for Devine to force his way into De Zerbi’s plans. That’s left the club open to cashing in on him permanently if a suitable bid comes in.
Reports from the Glasgow Times suggest Celtic have stepped up their pursuit and are now pushing negotiations with Tottenham along faster. The Scottish side have long admired the midfielder, but their interest has sharpened following his impressive Championship campaign.
Celtic’s chances have also been boosted by Preston’s decision not to trigger the £6 million buy option written into Devine’s loan deal. That clause reportedly lapsed at the start of July, putting the England youth international back on the market and giving other clubs a way in.
Southampton and Wolves are also keeping tabs on the situation and could offer Devine a route back into English football, but Celtic are widely seen as the most appealing option on the table.
A switch to Glasgow would give the young midfielder a shot at silverware, European football, and regular games in front of passionate home support — the kind of opportunity plenty of up-and-coming players would find hard to turn down.
Tottenham are said to value Devine at around £6 million and would likely be happy to do business if Celtic meet that number. With talks reportedly picking up pace, the Scottish champions are increasingly favourites to land one of Spurs’ most promising academy products before the window shuts.
