Former Sheffield Wednesday manager Tony Pulis says a Premier League club were keen on Liam Shaw prior to his pre-contract agreement with Celtic, Daily Record report.
The Hoops have signed Shaw ahead of the summer with his contract at Hillsborough expiring.
Celtic have taken advantage of the cross-border transfer rules allowing them to talk to Shaw early and seal a bargain deal worth around just £300,000.
The news is a bitter blow for the Owls as they are to lose a top academy product.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
And to make matters worse, Wednesday have potentially missed out on a big payday from a top-flight club as former boss Tony Pulis recalls interest from the Premier League.
“Liam is a terrific signing for Celtic and Lenny’s (Neil Lennon) done a good job in finding him and taking him to Scotland because lots of people were ringing me up and asking about him. I had a Premier League club ring me up to ask about him and I gave them the same answer as I gave everyone else – that he’s a very good player with tremendous potential – so I’d definitely say they’ve pulled off a good signing,” Pulis explained.
Shaw came through the youth ranks at Wednesday and broke into the first-team this season.
The 19-year-old midfielder has made nine Championship starts for the Owls, scoring his first goal for the club in the 2-1 win over Middlesbrough in late December.
It’s not the first time Celtic have signed a bosman from south of the border.
The Hoops signed Moussa Dembele from Fulham on a similar deal, with the Frenchman becoming instrumental at Parkhead before leaving the club for some £20 million.
Celtic will hope Shaw can become a top player at the club and help Neil Lennon’s side wrestle back their crown as rivals Rangers look set to end the Hoops’ domestic domination.
Also see: Celtic reportedly rival Owls for recruitment figure who unearthed £75m ace
Also see: Paul Warne’s prediction on east Midland duo is unfolding and gives Owls clearer targets
