Ex-Rangers star backed to replace Philippe Clement while key Celtic man 'will' be on English clubs' radars
The latest headlines for Celtic and Rangers as we head into the international break.
The Scottish Premiership will take a brief break as we enter the last international break of the year. Celtic remain at the top of the table, yet to lose a single match, but they are still being hunted down by Aberdeen.
There is still nothing to separate the two sides but Rangers have significant ground to make up as they sit nine points behind the neck-and-neck leaders. Now, while Scotland prepare to take on Croatia and Poland, let’s take a look at the latest transfer news for Celtic and Rangers.
Pundit backs former Rangers defender to replace Clement
As Philippe Clement’s position as manager continues to be questioned, Derek Ferguson has named who he believes would be a good fit to replace the Belgian, should he leave Rangers this season. Kevin Muscat, who has won his third title as a manager is as many countries following Chinese Super League triumph, has been tipped to be a solid candidate at Ibrox.
The Australian coach has also been backed by compatriot and ex-Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou. Muscat also represented Rangers during his playing career and Ferguson believes the Shanhai Port manager ‘jumps out right away’ as a leading candidate.
“He was in the running before Clement got the job. I could see maybe Muscat, with a different way of working. He’s obviously sampled Scottish football in terms of he played here. He was a real competitor, a real winner,” Ferguson told Ibrox News.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things, so I think if there was an option and he was willing to come in, with the mess that surrounds the club at the moment [he would make sense].”
Celtic star tipped to be wanted by English clubs
Over the summer, Celtic sold Matt O’Riley to Brighton and Hove Albion for £25 million. As the Hoops push for another Scottish Premiership title, interest from English clubs is being shown in more of their key players.
Former Rangers and Manchester City forward Gordon Dalziel has tipped Alistair Johnston to have a number of English clubs monitoring him ahead of the 2025 transfer windows. A potential new contract is being discussed but Dalziel believes his ‘immense improvement’ will make him a prime target for other teams regardless.
“The one person for me that I would not be surprised if he’s on the radar of clubs. Alistair Johnson. Yeah, he’s been terrific. He looks like a complete player,” Dalziel told Superscored (via 67 Hail Hail). “He’s starting to add a few goals. And if you’re an English team, and we’re not here to sell him, because I want him to stay in Scotland.
“I just think he’s improved immensely, and he’s the kind of player that English teams, of course, will have him on their radar, but Celtic fans are not wanting to lose any of their big players or any of their big stars.”