CELTIC have been given permission to speak to David Turnbull after meeting Motherwell's £3m valuation of their midfielder.

The 19-year-old will now hold talks with the Scottish champions with a view to becoming Neil Lennon's first signing since taking charge of Celtic for the second time.

The clubs had been in discussions for some time regarding the transfer of Turnbull, with an informal opening offer being knocked back by the Lanarkshire club.

But a significantly increased offer, which met the figure that the Fir Park outfit had been holding out for plus add-ons, has now been accepted.

Glasgow Times:

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A statement from Motherwell read: "Motherwell Football Club has reached an agreement with Celtic FC for the potential transfer of David Turnbull.

"The academy graduate has been given permission to speak to the club. Should the deal go through, the value of the transfer will vastly exceed our previous record fee received.

"We have rejected several seven-figure offers for David in recent weeks, with clubs the length and breadth of the UK speaking to us about him. It is clear from that the fee we stand to receive fully maximises his potential value.

Glasgow Times:

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"We have continued to stand by what we believe is a fair value for David. In light of the negotiating stance we have adopted, the money we stand to receive will be transformational for us as we continue to operate as a fan-owned club."