A roundup of the latest Celtic and Rangers headlines ahead of this weekend’s Scottish Premiership action.
The Scottish Premiership action returns this weekend and Celtic have a golden chance to put daylight between them and Aberdeen as the two prepare to face off in Parkhead. Meanwhile, Rangers will visit Kilmarnock on Sunday as they hope to close the gap on the top two.
As clubs get stuck back into Scotland’s top flight, here’s a look at some of the latest news for Celtic and Rangers.
Defender ‘resisted’ Celtic proposal
Celtic brought in key recruits over the summer, including Kasper Schmeichel on a free transfer to replace Joe Hart, and the permanent signing of Adam Idah. They also agreed a loan move for promising young defender Álex Valle, who has joined the Hoops until the end of the season from Barcelona.
However, Spanish outlet Sport has reported that Celtic were denied the chance to include a purchase option into Valle’s terms. While the Scottish champions were keen on adding such a clause, the 20-year-old and his entourage reportedly ‘resisted it’, which in turn saw Barcelona ‘reject the idea’.
Valle and those in his corner ‘wanted to be in control’ of his future after Celtic, especially as the clause in his Barcelona contract is still low. There is the belief that Valle is already starting to pitch himself on the market with his performances in Scotland, which could open up new routes next year once his deal ends.
Valle has made four appearances in all competitions so far and bagged himself an assist in the 6-0 Premiership win over St Johnstone last month. The more he plays, the bigger his chance to impress clubs around the world as he considers his future.
Pundit suggests Gerrard signing returns to train with Rangers
Former Rangers star Ryan Kent is available as a free agent after his contract with Fenerbahçe was terminated this week by mutual agreement. The former Liverpool man, who joined the club permanently in 2019 under Steven Gerrard, is now being discussed as a potential returnee.
Philippe Clement admitted he is a fan of Kent and Tam McManus has suggested the winger could be offered a chance to train with his old side to see how things go. However, he believes it will be a divisive topic among Rangers fans.
“I think there would be a split. I think initially he had a fantastic spell scoring big goals against Celtic at Parkhead. The last season at Rangers he was really, really poor. He looked as if his head was elsewhere and a lot of fans turned on him because I don’t think he was putting in the effort and the performance he was previously,” McManus told PLZ.
“Listen, there is no harm in asking him if he wants to come in and train, if he is more than willing to train and you can have a look at him or whatever and to keep himself ticking over. Do I think he’s better than what they’ve got? Probably yes, but I don’t think the majority of Rangers fans would want him back.”
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