Celtic competing with European clubs for Italian ace as ex Rangers star lifts lid on 'surprise' contract termination
The latest stories from both Celtic and Rangers as the January transfer window approaches.
Celtic scouts have a keen eye on an Italian youngster worth seven figures, while a former Rangers player has took to Instagram to express his ‘surprise’ at his contract being terminated by his latest club.
He may be less than a fortnight into his tenure, but already the pressure is building on Wilfried Nancy after just three games in the Celtic dugout. The Frenchman has been accused of trying to change too much, too soon in his new role and after losing to St Mirren in the League Cup Final, he is already treading on thin ice. The Hoops face Dundee United at Tannadice on Wednesday night in what is an absolute must-win. In the meantime, Celtic have been linked with a Serie B midfielder, as Nancy already looks to have one eye on January.
On the other side of the city, not for the first time this season, Danny Rohl’s men scraped a 1-0 victory against Hibs in what was a fairly uninspiring Ibrox display. However, on a brighter note for Rangers fans, once again Connor Barron was the Man of the Match as he continues to impress in front of the Ibrox faithful. As he secures his starting place in the middle of the park, another midfielder, who was a big signing at Ibrox has recently had his contract terminated in the Mexican top-flight. Here’s a look at the latest stories from both Celtic Park and Ibrox:
Celtic scouts watching six figure Serie B midfielder
According to Italian media, Celtic are keeping a close eye on Issa Doumbia, who plays in Italy’s second tier with Venezia. The Venice side were relegated from the Serie A last season but currently sit fourth in the table as they look to bounce straight back up.
TuttoMercatoWeb say: “Doumbia is succeeding, but there's no shortage of interest ahead of January. According to TMW, scouts from Celtic, Club Brugge, and Espanyol were present at the Penzo Stadium on Saturday to sign him. They're not the only clubs interested. Southampton are also keeping an eye on him, having already made a €6 million offer in the summer and continuing to interest the 22-year-old midfielder.”
Doumbia, 22, has made 17 appearances for Venezia so far this season, scoring four goals to aid their promotion bid. He has also represented his country at youth International level, featuring for Italy in this year’s under-21 European Championship.
Ramsey lifts lid on Liga MX ‘surprise’ contract expiration
Former Rangers midfielder, Aaron Ramsey has took to Instagram to express that his Pumas contract termination came as a surprise. The Welshman moved to the Mexican League in the summer but left the club by mutual agreement in October. During his time at Pumas, the disappearance of his dog ‘Halo’ had a significant emotional impact on him which he says continues to ‘haunt’ him and his family.
His farewell Instagram post read: “I would like to thank the Mexican people for their kindness and generosity and making me and my family feel so welcome in Mexico City. I also want to give a big thanks to the manager, the coaching staff and particularly the medical staff for helping me through what was a difficult time with injuries.”
“However with their help and a lot of hard work I was ready and match fit for the remaining games and I was looking forward to giving my best to the Pumas. Unfortunately my contract was terminated which was a surprise and obviously disappointing. Therefore I had no choice but to come home to Wales. Thank you again for all the support through the time we spent in Mexico. It’s a beautiful place and we will definitely come back to visit soon.”