AC Milan led a trio of Serie A clubs scouting Rocco Vata as he bagged a hat-trick for Ireland under-21s, according to a report.

It's claimed scouts from Milan, Bologna and Atalanta were in attendance as Celtic starlet Vata starred for his country.

The forward netted three times in the second half as Ireland's youth side cruised to a 7-0 triumph over San Marino.

The Daily Record report Milan had Vata watched in the contest with Serie A sides keen on a swoop for the Celtic talent.

Bologna have been linked with Vata for an extended period while Serie B clubs Sampdoria and Como have also been credited with an active interest in the 18-year-old.

English Championship side Watford are also reported suitors with discussions with Vata's representatives said to be ongoing.

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Celtic, though, do want to keep Vata and extend his current terms beyond the summer. Should Vata move on then Celtic would bank around £400,000 in compensation.

However, a contract extension to 2027 has been tabled by Parkhead chiefs in a bid to keep the youngster in Glasgow.

Quizzed on Vata's future at Celtic back in January, Brendan Rodgers said: “That will be up to him. He’s a talent.

“It depends what the mentality is with him and his representatives. You get some young players whose representatives will tell you if they are not playing in the first team, starting, they don’t want to stay. You better go then, because you have got to earn the right.

“He is 18, I don’t need players ready at 18 unless they are real, real special talents, but by 20-21 they need to be ready.

“But you can see he has tools and this can be a really good place for him to develop.”