The race to become Scottish champions next year is already very much underway.

While Rangers have aspirations of kicking on next term and providing viable competition, the target at Parkhead is much more ambitious.

Coming away as Champions next term will mean that Celtic have made in 10 titles in a row - something that their rivals will certainly find difficult to stomach.

However if the Bhoys are to do that then they'll need to make sure that they make a success of the summer's transfer market.

Based on the latest reports, it seems that one move could be gathering pace.

One man who's been linked is Gyrano Kerk.

The winger was the subject of concrete interest from Celtic in the January transfer window after an impressive campaign with Dutch side Utrecht.

Valued at £3.6m by Transfermarkt, Kerk scored 11 goals and created 12 in an impressive campaign in the Eredivisie, leading to plenty of speculation about a summer move.

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According to the Daily Record, the 24-year-old is now in talks with numerous clubs over a transfer.

Whether one of those clubs is Celtic remains to be seen, but according to the player's agent, Kerk is more than ready to step up to the next level.

Quoted by The Daily Record, Kerk's agent Richinel Bryson said: "Movement in the transfer market has been held up because of the coronavirus crisis, but it's back now.

"I have been in plenty of Zoom conversations with big foreign clubs.

"Gyrano has proved he's ready for the next step, although it's not a foregone conclusion that he will leave. But he is very ambitious. He is 24 years old and has had a very strong season.

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"At the same time, Utrecht has become his club - they have given him a lot. The club knows our position."

GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...

This could certainly be a shrewd move.

After impressing at Utrecht, Gyrano Kerk has already proven that he's ready to mix it with the best clubs in Europe.

Moving to Celtic would be the ideal chance to play in the Champions League and challenge for major silverware.

Celtic have a great track record of signing promising young talent from around the world and developing them into top players, and so this could be an ideal move.