Celtic plot £500k push for Man City that ‘wants to leave’ as ex-Rangers ace left puzzled at ‘underwhelming’ signing
The latest headlines ahead of huge transfer window for Celtic and Rangers
Scottish champions Celtic are preparing to say goodbye to legendary manager Martin O’Neill for the second time in tonight’s big home clash against strugglers Dundee FC.
O’Neill, who managed Celtic with great success between 2000 and 2005, came out of retirement in October to take the reins at Parkhead on an interim basis after Brendan Rodgers bombshell resignation.
He’s spearheaded the team to six victories from seven matches and boasts a 100 percent record from the matches he’s overseen domestically, helping the Hoops to bridge the gap between themselves and Hearts, while securing a spot in the League Cup final.
O’Neill said yesterday: "A young gentleman's coming in and it's over to him. But obviously, we've got the big, big game here tomorrow evening and obviously, I'd like to try and win it if we can.”
Celtic could go top of the table if tonight’s results go in their favour, marking a stark improvement from the end of Rodgers tenure in charge. However, the problems that were at the club still remain very prevalent, leaving Wilfried Nancy with a big task in overhauling the group in January.
Celtic plot £500k move for Man City goalkeeper
Last month, Glasgow World revealed that Celtic were interested in Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. The 32-year-old German is currently the third choice goalkeeper at the Etihad Stadium behind summer signings Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford. He had been second choice behind Ederson last season and was often used in cup competitions, racking up 56 appearances in total over his City career, including 25 in the Premier League.
Ortega, however, is yet to make the squad since the opening day of the season, and is believed to be ready for a fresh challenge where he plays more regularly.
The Daily Mail claim that Ortega wants to leave City and is eyeing the January window for a possible departure. Football Insider adds that Celtic should be looking to accelerate their efforts to sign Ortega for a cut-price fee.
Derek Ferguson left ‘puzzled’ at Rangers signings start to life at Ibrox
When Joe Rothwell arrived at Rangers from Bournemouth, he was seen as the type of player that would feature heavily and enhance the team’s existing options in the middle of the park.
The 30-year-old started all of the first three matches and featured heavily in the Champions League qualification campaign. However, he’s now not featured once since a 3-0 Europa League loss to Brann, with Nicolas Raskin, Mohamed Diomande and Connor Barron all preferred in midfield at Ibrox.
“I’ve spoken to people, and they’ve told me he’s a good player,” said Derek Ferguson via Ibrox News.
“When Rothwell joined, it looked to me as though he wasn’t fit enough, which is just bizarre in this day and age, given everything that goes with sports science. But he looked as though he was carrying a bit of timber, and he was being subbed off after about 55-60 minutes because he was just knackered. It’s baffling.”
Ferguson continued in a scathing verdict on Rothwell’s start to life in Glasgow: “You can see there’s a player there, but is he enjoying life in Scotland? Is his family happy? There are all these different circumstances that we’re not privy to, but what he’s shown so far in a Rangers jersey has not caught the imagination.
“He’s been a really underwhelming signing, but he’s certainly not alone in that regard. For whatever reason, we’re not getting the best out of these summer signings. Whether Rohl has taken a look at them and thought ‘he’s not my type of player’, I’m not sure, but it’s puzzling.”