Premier League giants Liverpool have completed a major transfer coup by prising highly-rated Scotland U16 captain of Nigerian descent Olamilekan Jikiemi away from Celtic.
The talented centre-back turned down Celtic's offer of a three-year contract in favour of a move to Anfield, where he is understood to have signed a scholarship agreement.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Jikiemi signed the necessary paperwork on Sunday, with the agreement running for five years.
However, the teenager is expected to begin his Liverpool journey on scholarship terms before signing his first professional contract after turning 17.
Jikiemi's rapid rise at Celtic underlined the high regard in which he was held.
Last season, he made four appearances for Celtic B in the Scottish Lowland Football League.
He is expected to start his Liverpool career with the club's U18 side, although his performances could see him earn opportunities with the development squad or even the first team if required.
Jikiemi is not the only player of Nigerian heritage to sign a scholarship deal with Liverpool this summer.
Joshua Abe, Shadrach Ekiugbo and Daniel Majekodunmi have also signed scholarship deals with the Reds ahead of the new season.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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