The latest Rangers and Celtic headlines and transfer rumours for Tuesday

Changes continue to unfold at Rangers following the club’s decision to dismiss Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell from their respective roles at Ibrox.

Reports are already suggesting the club is considering a replacement for former sporting director Thelwell, and a familiar name has cropped up on the radar as Rangers enter this new era.

‘Surprise’ name emerges as Rangers candidate to replace Kevin Thelwell

According to Football Insider, Rangers have named Barry Ferguson as a potential option to replace Thelwell as the club’s new sporting director. The former player and interim manager is among those being considered by the club board, as he remains ‘highly thought out’ at Ibrox.

However, Ferguson’s name has cropped up as a ‘surprise’ option. Despite his history with the club and his positive relationship, it is considered ‘unlikely’ that he will take on the role as sporting director, despite having not ruled himself out of the contention for the vacant job.

“I was surprised as well when I saw Barry Ferguson’s name linked with the role of sporting director at Rangers,” Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke said.

“Rangers need to get this next appointment right. Barry Ferguson obviously is a legend at Rangers as a player, and obviously he’s helped out the club as interim manager as well, but I don’t think he would have the necessary experience maybe to take that sporting director role at Ibrox.”

Celtic looking to reunite Wilfried Nancy with Columbus Crew player

Another Football Insider report claims that Celtic could be looking to tap into Wilfried Nancy’s roster at Columbus Crew, once his move to Parkhead gets the green light.

The French manager is close to becoming the new permanent Hoops boss, to replace the departed Brendan Rodgers. While discussions continue, it has been reported that Nancy could bring his own backroom staff with him to Glasgow, as well as some potential player options.

Celtic are said to be ‘exploring’ the possibility of bringing Wessam Abou Ali to the club in January from Columbus Crew, following the appointment of Nancy.

O’Rourke explained:“Wessam Abou Ali was signed by Nancy when he was at Columbus Crew and obviously he only joined in July this year.

“He did quite well for Al Ahly in the Club World Cup and he did quite good for Columbus Crew in the MLS as well.

“The only issue probably would be he’s had a few injury issues which maybe would place a question mark over whether Celtic would try and sign the 26-year-old Palestine striker. We know Celtic do need a striker. They’re so short in attacking options up front as well.”