Rangers and Celtic set to miss talent who emerged on their 'radar' as suitor works to 'finalise' transfer

Reports suggest Rangers and Celtic are set to lose out on a Scottish talent bound for the English Championship.

The Light Blues and Hoops have had criticisms in recent years over pathways to regular involvement in their first team squads. Both face a threat from south of the border, where in a post-Brexit landscape, English sides are regularly raiding clubs in Scotland for their academy set-ups.

James Wilson left Hearts for Tottenham in January as St Mirren’s Evan Mooney left for Arsenal. Glasgow-based Queen’s Park’s Harris Afzal could be next on that pipeline after integrating himself into the Scottish Championship side’s first team fold. It was claimed this week that Afzal ‘has been on the radar of Rangers and Celtic, along with several other top English clubs.’

Who will Harris Afzal sign for?

Now reporting from outlets close to Southampton have claimed that a deal to take him to Saints is in its latter stages and that Rangers and Celtic now look bound to miss out on a player right on their doorstep. It’s reported in the Daily Echo: “Saints are working to finalise the signing of Queen's Park starlet Harris Afzal, as they look to add more talent to the ranks within their academy.

“The 16 year old is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Scottish Championship side, but he has been integrated under boss Sean Crighton. Saints are in discussions with the Spiders and the player over a permanent move, which would likely see the youngster join Andrew Surman's under-18s.”

Rangers host Celtic this weekend in the third Premiership derby of the season, with Danny Rohl’s team four points off leaders Hearts, while Martin O’Neill’s are six adrift with a game in hand away at Aberdeen. Ibrox hero and former interim manager Barr Ferguson has been previewing the game and said: "I don't think beating Celtic will win you the title, but it'll be a statement. You're at home.

Barry Ferguson on Rangers vs Celtic

"I was at the last home game, the Hearts game. It took me back to Fenerbahce last year. The atmosphere was absolutely electric. It'll be a big statement for me. I don't think it'll win you the title, but it'll be a good step forward. I'm looking forward to it. Always respect the opponent.

"If you look across the road at Celtic, they've got an experienced manager that knows his way about the game. I still think they've got good players, really good players, but if Rangers play to their capabilities, I think they can win it.

"You look back to October, if you had said to me Rangers would be in this position, I would have looked at you as if you had horns coming out of your head. We're in a title fight with three other teams. There's no doubt about that. There's going to be a few more twists and turns, but what a difference four months has been for the club. The only slight concern would be the away form in the last three games but, listen, it's still in Rangers' hands.”