Celtic face rival for attacker signing, Rangers place star they almost signed in summer 'high' on options list
Here are some of the latest Rangers and Celtic headlines with the transfer window now open.
Rangers and Celtic are now free to do winter shopping as the January transfer window opens.
Both are heading into a colossal derby at Parkhead where the Light Blues can go level on points with the Hoops amid a good run of form, while the Premiership champions have lost five of their last seven across all competitions. Transfer business could also be abound for both sides.
Josh Windass has been linked with an Ibrox return while Bournemouth’s Julian Araujo is heavily rumoured to be making a move to Celtic on loan. Here are some of the latest rumours as the winter transfer window opens up for January.
Celtic face winger competition
One of the stars Celtic have been heavily linked with is Jocelin Ta Bi. The winger from the Ivory Coast is on loan at Israeli side Hapoel Petah Tikva from Maccabi Netanya and his performances in Israel have been lauded.
It’s stated by Turkish journalist Safacan Konuksever through Tivibu Spor that Trabzonspor have ‘placed Jocelin Ta Bi on their agenda’ ahead of the January window. It would be another suitor for Celtic to try and shake off with interest from Belgian also said to be lingering Ta Bi’s agent, Stav Hachmon, said recently amid Celtic and Gent interest: “The [Gent] offer is €2.8million, with Tubruk receiving 20 percent of the sale after reimbursement of expenses…
“While Hapoel Petah Tikva is asking for between €600k and €1million as compensation for the player’s departure in the January window. Celtic are talking but willing to pay less but leave Netanya a percentage of a future sale. Talks are continuing even though the player is injured and both Gent and Celtic want to see that this is not an injury that will make it difficult for him to return soon. In any case, Petah Tikva is aware of the offer that was submitted, as the player himself feels ready to move to a higher league.”
Rangers transfer interest in James Penrice
AEK Athens left-back James Penrice is said to be on the Rangers agenda this January. The defender joined the Greek side in the summer from Hearts and interim boss Barry Ferguson thought he had a deal in the pipeline but it collapsed when Russell Martin started his calamitous tenure.
Now it’s stated the Light Blues are ready to go after the ex-Hearts man. It’s said in the Daily Record: “Rangers are considering a move to resurrect their summer interest in former Hearts star James Penrice. Ex-Ibrox caretaker gaffer Barry Ferguson thought he had a deal in place to bring the Jambos defender to Govan at the end of last season.
“Record Sport understands that Penrice's name has again been placed high on the list of left-back options being weighed up ahead of the January window. Rohl remains a fan and has asked the club's technical director Dan Purdy to check out his performances in Greece. Purdy is now casting an eye over a number of different targets - with Penrice among them.”