Celtic and Rangers are up against stiff competition for this leading transfer target

Celtic and Rangers often find themselves linked with the same transfer targets as they push to improve their squad ranks. Once again, the Glasgow powerhouses are in competition for the same man as the January transfer window rapidly approaches.

The two clubs have been looking close to home for transfer inspiration lately and Kilmarnock’s David Watson has appeared on both their radars.

However, it’s not going to be an easy transfer battle, as they aren’t alone in their interest.

Celtic and Rangers face stiff competition for transfer target David Watson

Reports earlier this week claimed Rangers are ‘actively exploring’ a potential deal for Watson in January, when he will be available to sign for a pretty cost effective sum.

The 20-year-old’s contract with Killie is due to expire next summer, meaning if a new deal is not on the table, the club must consider cashing in during the winter window, or see him leave for free in June.

Aberdeen and Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts have also expressed interest in Watson, giving him plenty of options to consider, should all four clubs make an approach.

It isn’t just Scottish clubs fighting for the midfielder’s signature either. A new update from Il Messaggero claims that Watson has ‘surfaced on the scene’ for Serie A side Lazio.

The Rome-based club have shown interest in Ivan Ilic, who currently plays for Serie A rivals Torino, but Watson has emerged as a potential younger alternative to the 24-year-old Serbia international.

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri views Ilic as a ‘ready-to-use midfielder’, so Watson could come under the same bracket.

Scotland talent links with Italian clubs

Watson has been likened to compatriot Lennon Miller, who made the move from Motherwell to Udinese over the summer. The rising Kilmarnock star could become the latest Scottish talent to make the move to Italy.

If Watson does opt to snub the likes of Celtic and Rangers to move abroad, he will join the growing list of Scottish players plying their trade in Italy. Similar to Miller, other promising young players have been tempted by the lure of Serie A in recent years.

Josh Doig made the move from Hibs to Hellas Verona back in 2022, admitting at the time he wanted to escape the pressures of playing for one of the two big Edinburgh clubs. Doig remains in Italy, having switched to Sassuolo last year.

Aaron Hickey also made the move to Italy when he was just 18. The Scotland international, who now represents Brentford in the Premier League, joined Bologna in 2020 and spent two years there before moving to England.

Of course, Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour also made headlines last summer when the duo left Manchester United and Brighton respectively to sign for Napoli. The two went on to win the Serie A title with Gli Azzurri in their maiden season, and play alongside the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne.