Liverpool 'beat Chelsea to Celtic starlet Ben Doak'

Liverpool are reportedly set to beat Chelsea to the signing of highly-rated Celtic starlet Ben Doak.

The 16-year-old - a former product of Dalry Rovers FC and Ayr United FC - has made his breakthrough into the Bhoys' first team this season after stellar performances at youth level.

Doak has made two substitute appearances in the 2021-22 Scottish Premiership season - playing 22 minutes of January's 1-0 win over Dundee United before a late cameo in the Old Firm victory over Rangers last month.

Doak's rise has not gone unnoticed by top clubs in the Premier League, and the Daily Mail claims that Liverpool are now closing in on the teenager's signature.

The report adds that the Reds have seen off competition from Chelsea to secure the signing of Doak, and Celtic will receive £150,000 in compensation.

Doak scored on his debut for Scotland's Under-17s in a friendly win over Wales last September and has six caps to his name at that age level - captaining the side in a 3-0 loss to England's Under-17s last month.