Chelsea face battle for Johnston

Chelsea will have their work cut out to sign Michael Johnston.

According to a report in the Daily Mail the 18-year-old Celtic attacker is on the wanted list of Chelsea’s scouting department.

Johnston is one of the most highly rated players in the Celtic Academy structure and is expected to make his first team debut against St Johnstone on Saturday.

With a year left on his contract Celtic will be looking to secure the 18-year-old onto a new contract and are well aware of interest from other clubs.

Since the turn of the year Johnston has been in outstanding form for Celtic’s Development League side and played a key role in their SFA Youth Cup Final success.

Chelsea have extended their scouting network into Scotland where they are expected to announce the signing of Billy Gilmore from Rangers the chances are they will struggle to prise Johnston away from signing a new deal with Celtic.