Celtic and Hull going head-to-head for Dundee United superstar

Celtic have reportedly identified Dundee United’s Stuart Armstrong as one of several key signings the Hoops will need to make ahead of their assault on the Europa League last-32, though they could face Premier League competition for the player in the form of Hull City.

The 22-year-old is the latest exciting young prospect to emerge at Tannadice Park, having been snapped up by the club as a school boy from Inverness Caledonian Thistle, and has already garnered widespread praise after picking up the SFWA Young Player of the Year award during the 2012-13 season.

Last season he was also named in the PFA Scotland team of the year and has been tipped for big things ever since.

A Scotland captain at under-21 level, Armstrong was called up to the senior squad by Gordon Strachan last year and with over 130 appearances for The Terrors to his name to date is something of an experienced performer in the Scottish top-flight.

Celtic manager Ronny Deila is now keen to bring the midfielder to Parkhead with the lure of silverware and European football likely to prove tempting.

But he could face competition from Steve Bruce and Hull with the Tigers previously linked with a summer move for the player and likely to return this January following the success of his former teammate Andrew Robertson at the KC Stadium.

Hull have endured a difficult start to the current Premier League season and will be looking to bring in fresh faces this January as they aim to avoid a potential end-of-season relegation battle.

Having seen the success enjoyed by Robertson at the club, with the former Dundee United full-back now something of a regular for Scotland and a goalscorer in their recent meeting with England, a move south of the border could yet tempt.

But with Celtic still representing the pinnacle of Scottish football a present and a team capable of offering Champions League football to Armstrong, a difficult decision could yet await.

The midfielder may even end up replacing Scott Brown at the club too, with the Hoops captain also linked with a move to the Premier League amid rumoured interest from Crystal Palace.

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