Celtic and Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly moved ahead in the race for St Patrick's Athletic youngster Mason Melia.
The 16-year-old is widely regarded as one of the hottest properties in Irish football at the moment since making his professional debut in 2023.
Melia has featured on 25 occasions for St Patrick's during the 2024 League of Ireland campaign, 12 of those being from the start, scoring three goals and providing one assist.
The striker also possesses relative international pedigree, having represented his nation's Under-19s side two times since a debut at that level in November 2023.
Despite the best efforts of prodigy Melia, St Patrick's are enduring a tricky season in 2024, with the Dublin-based club currently occupying seventh position in the League of Ireland standings.
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Celtic, Brighton lead race for Melia?
According to Football Insider, two top-flight British clubs are leading the way as a host of sides pursue the signature of the St Patrick's star.
The report claims that Celtic and Brighton are the pair who are currently at the front of the race for Melia, who will inevitably depart from the League of Ireland in the near future.
It is understood that both the Bhoys and the Seagulls are preparing to present formal offers to St Patrick's for the highly-rated 16-year-old.
On top of interest from Glasgow and the South coast, Manchester City and Everton are also said to be keen on a move for Melia in the future.
The attacker spent a trial period in England with the Premier League holders earlier this year, although an immediate contract offer was not forthcoming.
It was believed in March that Sean Dyche's side were close to a deal for Melia, although there was no breakthrough in talks between St Patrick's and the Toffees.
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Finding a pathway to senior football
Having proved his worth in the League of Ireland at such a young age, Melia and his representatives need to decide what location is best for the progression of his career.
Brighton have a strong record of bringing young players over the Irish Sea and eventually into the first team, including Evan Ferguson and Aaron Connolly.
Celtic have strong links to Ireland and currently have internationals Mikey Johnston, Liam Scales and Bosun Lawal within their Parkhead ranks.
Interest from Pep Guardiola's Man City will certainly flatter Melia, although he might be wise to pick a different pathway in order to maximise his chances of future first-team opportunities.
![Everton manager Sean Dyche celebrates after the match on May 28, 2023 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1 "Everton manager Sean Dyche celebrates after the match on May 28, 2023 [IMAGO]")
