Southampton are reportedly keeping tabs on Rangers youngster Kyle McClelland and Celtic kid Leo Hjelde.

The pair are both currently out on loan and a report in The Scottish Sun says the duo are being monitored by Saints in the Premier League.

McClelland is currently at Falkirk in League One, while Hjelde is with Ross County in the Premiership.

Both are enjoying impressive stints at their respective loan clubs and have caught the eye of Ralph Hasenhüttl's side.

Meanwhile, Celtic have speeded up the arrival of incoming chief executive Dominic McKay but may face a longer wait to bring in Eddie Howe as manager.

McKay had been due to join the club on July 1 as Peter Lawwell’s replacement, but will work with his retiring predecessor from April 19 after his early exit from the Scottish Rugby Union was confirmed.

The SRU confirmed that its chief operating officer would depart earlier than planned with its best wishes “following a successful handover of his duties and responsibilities”.

A Celtic statement soon added: “Peter Lawwell continues in his role as chief executive officer and board member until June 30.

“Dom will join the club from April 19, working with Peter and the executive team to ensure a smooth transition, until Dom takes on the role of chief executive officer and board member on July 1.”

The recruitment of Guinness PRO14 chairman McKay was originally announced on January 29, when it was also revealed that Lawwell was retiring in the summer after 17 years in the position.

The succession is not the only imminent major change in personnel at Celtic Park and the scale of the transition may mean the club have to wait until the end of the season for Howe to arrive.

The former Bournemouth boss has been in talks with Celtic, who have a Scottish Cup fourth-round tie against newly-crowned champions Rangers at Ibrox on April 17.