Determined Real Madrid are stepping up their transfer interest in Kieran Tierney after receiving a glowing review of the Scotland international.
And a bumper deal to secure the Arsenal star could be eased by the European giants' firm relationship with the 24-year-old's agency.
ICM Stellar clients Gareth Bale and Eduardo Camavinga are currently at Madrid with Los Blancos keen to make Tierney their next big signing alongside Kylian Mbappe.
Real Madrid chief scout Juni Calafat has handed in a strong appraisal of the all-action left-back after previously keeping tabs on Bukayo Saka.
President Florentino Perez is understood to be a major admirer of the Celtic hero and Carlo Ancelotti waxed lyrical about him back in 2019.
Stellar blue chip client Bale is likely to seeking a fresh challenge this summer but Camavinga is poised to be star for years as he gains his apprenticeship from Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
And Perez, reportedly told to back off by Arsenal, is likely to make a strong offer for Tierney as he also plots a move for PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe.
Arsenal do not want to lose a player who signed a bumper contract until 2026 and will command a fee in excess of £50m.
Celtic keep will be monitoring closely, however, as they retain a 15 per cent sell on fee.
There's also no indication Tierney has an urge to leave North London with the Gunners red-hot favourites to secure fourth place and a return to the Champions League.
But Real Madrid's interest is concrete and they are convinced he is the perfect option to challenge Ferland Mendy for game time next season.