Sunderland show interest striker once targeted by Rangers as CEO says Celtic decision in their ‘best interest’

The latest headlines from Rangers and Celtic as EFL clubs chase a former Philippe Clement target

Rangers and Celtic collide at Parkhead this weekend in one of most highly-anticipated events of the Scottish Premiership calendar. Celtic are flying high at the top of the Premiership table with a 16 point gap on their fierce city rivals and have the opportunity to extend their lead to 19 points with a victory in front of their own supporters.

Meanwhile, Rangers are hoping to make it back-to-back wins over the Hoops after picking up a 3-0 derby-day victory at the start of 2025. The Light Blues picked up a 3-1 victory against Fenerbache in their last match and are now looking to build further momentum against the Turkish giants with a solid Ibrox performance in the second leg.

As both sides look forward to an enthralling week of football, we take a look at the main headlines from Celtic and Rangers.

Sunderland target Rangers-linked striker

Championship promotion-chasers Sunderland are reportedly interested in a move for Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland. Graeme Bailey has told NotTheOldFirm that the Black Cats are keen on enticing the 16-time Scottish international to the Stadium Light this summer as he approaches the final few months of his contract in the Scottish capital with an extension to his dea currently looking unlikely after months of prolonged talks.

Shankland was heavily linked with a move to Rangers over the summer and in January but the club were ultimately unwilling to meet Hearts reported asking price at the time and instead opted to go down the route of signing a younger option in Hamza Igamane, who has proven good value for money.

The 29-year-old fired in a combined 48 Premiership goals in his first two seasons at Tynecastle and won the Golden Boot award last term.