Rangers and Celtic could clash in transfer 'bidding war' over £5m star as 'intense competition' ramps up

Rangers and Celtic could become embroiled in a bidding war over a striker rated at £5m this summer, it’s claimed.

Lorent Tolaj has shone for Plymouth Argyll this season and he is expected to attract suitors after just one term at Home Park. Both sides of the Old Firm have been linked alongside clubs in the English Championship as the forward is expected to move up a level from where his current club reside.

They are in a strong position, however, when it comes to selling. Transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke claims ‘Sources have previously revealed to Football Insider that Celtic are interested in Tolaj, so a bidding war between Scotland’s two biggest clubs could commence in the coming months.’

Who could Rangers and Celtic sign this summer?

He added with a particular focus on Rangers: “It won’t be a cheap deal to do. Plymouth will be looking for around £5m for the player because he is under contract until 2029. That price tag would make it a difficult deal to do for Rangers, as well as the intense competition for his signature.”

Argyll boss Tom Cleverley was asked by Plymouth Live whether it was realistic to believe his team could keep one or both of Tolaj and Aribim Pepple, who’s also linked with the Old Firm, this summer. The former Manchester United midfielder replied: "It's certainly realistic. I worked in the Championship (at Watford) for almost 18 months.

“There are not that many clubs that have got cash at their disposal to the extent of the fees that we will be looking for. So it's realistic, the players have got long contracts. It's the way modern day football is, of rumour, of speculation, but ultimately they have had a great season and they deserve to be linked with higher levels.

Can Plymouth keep Lorent Tolaj?

“But they are in long-term contracts and there aren’t that many clubs outside the Premier League that have those sort of fees to spend. They are our players until my phone goes, or Derek (Adams, director of football), or Paul (Berne, CEO) or Simon’s (Hallett, chairman) phone goes. Let’s see.

“I think it’s good we are having these conversations, that they have scored so many goals. Owen Oseni also. Let's not forget the three of them, (aged) 22, 23, 24, playing for Port Vale in League Two, playing for Chesterfield in League Two, and playing for Gateshead in the National League and not playing at St Mirren.

“That’s the three of their CVs last season, so if the day comes we lose one of them then I’m highly confident we can reinvest some of that money to get a potential star striker and develop him into that. That is where pretty much every club outside the Premier League is at, and that is what we do as a staff."

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