CHERRIES are reportedly set to battle Brighton for the services of Celtic winger Scott Sinclair this summer.

Mail Online claims Eddie Howe and Chris Hughton are “monitoring Sinclair's situation” with the rival bosses being "admirers" of the former England under-21 star.

The report stated both clubs "would be in a position to test Celtic's resolve to hang on to a player who has two seasons to run on his contract".

Formerly of Aston Villa, Manchester City, Swansea City and Chelsea, the 29-year-old has scored 17 goals in all competitions for the Bhoys this season.

He has netted nine times and provided eight assists from 27 appearances in the Scottish Premiership and registered against Anderlecht during the Champions' League group stage.

But Sinclair has been named on the bench for Celtic’s past two league fixtures against Motherwell and Rangers.

Having joined the Hoops from Villa for £3.5million in August 2016, Sinclair scored 25 goals in his maiden campaign north of the border and was named PFA Scotland's player of the year.

He featured for Villa during Cherries’ first Premier League game in August 2015.