Celtic hold talks with another SPFL club over co-operation agreement after issues arise amid plans with Queen's Park
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CELTIC are in talks over a co-operation agreement with another SPFL club after discussions with Queen's Park stalled amid their financial issues.
The Scottish Championship club have been unable to commit to a long-term partnership with Celtic after Willie Haughey decided to withdraw his financial backing next year.
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The decision will allow some of Brendan Rodgers' youth players to get more first team opportunities
Credit: Kenny Ramsay
Queen's Park previously spent a staggering £5.7million in the second tier but will now need to slash expenditure to around £1m per year without the backing of Haughey and his company City Facilities Management.
He will officially walk away from the club in June 2026, when the current five-year deal is due to come to an end.
The current situation at Lesser Hampden leaves Celtic in a predicament as they were close to reaching a co-operation agreement with the Spiders.
It comes after the SFA gave clubs the green light to form partnerships with the aim of providing more pathways to first team football for young Scottish players between the ages of 16 and 21.
Aberdeen have already confirmed agreements with League One side Kelty Hearts and League Two outfit Elgin City.
That has allowed defenders Dylan Ross and Jamie Marcy to join City, while Lewis Carrol, Joseph Teasdale and Cooper Mason have headed to Fife.
St Mirren have also formed partnerships with League Two side Dumbarton and Lowland League club Clydebank.
But as talks between Celtic and Queen's Park ground to a halt, the Hoops have now decided to look elsewhere.
SunSport understands Celtic are now in discussions with Ayr United instead.
It's believed an agreement between both clubs is set to be reached which will be a major boost for Celtic hero and current Ayr boss Scott Brown.
Celtic launch new away kit with trailer featuring Scottish music icon and Hoops legends
It's suggested midfielder Jude Bonnar will be the first Hoops youth star to make the move to Somerset Park.
Another two-team partnership already in place includes Hibs and newly-promoted League Two side East Kilbride.
Goalkeeper Freddie Owens and forward Dean Cleland have already sealed loan moves to K Park.
Meanwhile, Rangers are expected to form an agreement with Championship side Raith Rovers too, but no deal has been officially reached as things stand.
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