Nottingham Forest had a summer bid rejected for Celtic gem Rocco Vata and last night he starred on his Republic of Ireland under-21 debut.

The player can leave Celtic for £350,000 and Forest saw two bids rejected in the summer, according to the Daily Record. Torino also tried to sign him during the close season.

Forest Vata
Photo; Eóin Noonan; Sportsfile; Getty Images

RB Leipzig are now also monitoring the situation; with Premier League duo Brentford and Bournemouth also in the background.

Last night, he was scouted by the German outfit as he starred on his under-21 debut on the international stage.

Forest-linked player Vata continued his fine run of form this season. He scored twice as a 3-0 win over San Marino was secured.

The 18-year-old has come through the ranks at Celtic. He’s making a brilliant impact and has scored seven times in six Lowland League games this season.

Forest were desperately keen to sign Vata in the summer. It’s likely that Ross Wilson had an impact on that interest but the bid was rejected

With RB Leipzig now doing their due diligence on the player, the race is heating up. Forest remain in the mix but they are facing a battle.

Forest target Vata shines for Republic of Ireland under-21

At 18-years-old, the player has an abundance of talent. He’s scored goals in youth football and it already looks as though he’s going to be a star.

Vata will be wanted by Celtic for many years but they look unlikely to hold onto him. With bigger clubs now vying for his services

Forest Vata
Photo; Eóin Noonan; Sportsfile; Getty Images

A fee of £350,000 seems like a bit of a steal. It would give the Forest Academy a possible future hero and he could prove a real bargain.

With Leipzig now lurking, however, the player might have his head turned all over again.

His goals last night were pretty decent. He looks destined to play at the top level and also star for the Republic of Ireland senior ranks at some point.

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