CELTIC are now ready to step up their interest in signing Hibs midfielder John McGinn, grandson of the former Celtic chairman Jack McGinn and a life-long Celtic supporter.

The tabloids are going to run with the story on Tuesday and with McGinn about to enter the final year of his contract the Easter Road club now want to cash in on their prize asset who could sit out another season at Hibs and be free to speak to interested parties in January.

Neil Lennon appreciates that it is the right time for McGinn to leave and he has been stating privately in recent months that he would be happy to sell McGinn to Celtic.

Word of Celtic’s interest came on social media earlier today but as you can see there’s nothing more than rumour and speculation. What is certain is that McGinn will be sold this summer and if Celtic are interested…

Scott Allan, who knows he has no future at Celtic, wants to make his second spell at Easter Road a permanent one so this move will be seen as a sweetener for any McGinn transfer.

The player has other options lined up, including a move to recently relegated Sunderland, where Jack Ross has just been appointed manager.

But for McGinn if Brendan Rodgers does make his move then he’ll be heading to the East end of Glasgow rather than the North-East of England.

McGinn is currently away on international duty with Scotland – who have friendlies against Peru and Mexico – so the transfer action is likely to hot up on his return next week.

Meanwhile the social media post by Erik Sviatchenko was an internet hit as Celtic supporters appreciated the player talking the time and trouble to post such a thoroughly decent message.

Have you got your Beautiful Sunday t-shirt for your summer holidays yet?