Rangers and Celtic told deciding factor in transfer race as Glasgow sides run 'neck and neck' for rival ace
The Kilmarnock star has been on the radar of both sides of the Old Firm and is also now attracting European interest.
Rangers and Celtic have been told what they’ll need to do if they want to get the upper hand in the race to sign David Watson.
The Kilmarnock midfielder has been identified as a transfer target from both clubs in recent windows, as the Old Firm sides continue to circle Rugby Park waiting in the wings for his Killie contract to expire in the summer. He is set to become a free agent and attracted interest, not only in the Scottish Premiership, but also in the Serie A.
While Kilmarnock aren’t having their best season, Watson has been a consistent, reliable figure in the middle of the park. He has acted as Scotland U21s captain and has an ideal blend of leadership skills, mixed with future potential. Despite only celebrating his 21st birthday last month, he has already made over 100 appearances in a blue and white jersey.
Old Firm told key to winning Watson race
According to Football Insider, Watson has his heart set on playing at the highest level of European football as early as next season. They say: “The pair of Old Firm rivals are neck and neck at the moment, while interest from England is also expected in the 21-year-old, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Sources have indicated that Watson would love the opportunity to play in the Champions League as part of his next move.”
Rangers and Celtic, along with Hearts are currently in the midst of a title race with both Glasgow club’s slipping behind their Edinburgh rivals. However, if either team were to win the Scottish Premiership, it would mean they’d enter the Champions League play-off round, meaning they’d be just a two legged tie away from qualification.
Watson has also reportedly been the subject of interest from the Serie A - a league which has recently became a hotbed for young Scottish talent. Former Hibs striker Kieron Bowie recently joined Hellas Verona for around £7 million, while Lennon Miller and Lewis Ferguson have also made the Italian switch from the SPFL in recent years.
Watson ‘not fussed’ about outside noise
Amid interest from both Old Firm sides, Watson told Record Sport last month: “I’m not dealing with (the interest), it’s my agent who will do that. I’m just focused on what I’m doing and I’ll take it day by day and game by game. I wasn’t aware of what was going on during the window.
“I was focusing on what I had to do on the pitch. Even when I was suspended I was still at the games. I always focus on Kilmarnock before anything else. It’s the type of person I am. I’m not fussed about outside noise. I’d rather concentrate on what’s happening on the pitch, it’s the same now.”
Kilmarnock have improved since new boss Neil McCann has come in, however they do still find themselves at the wrong end of the league table in the dreaded relegation play-off spot. Watson could have a huge part to play between now and the end of the season if they have any survival hopes.