Rangers make first move to sign 2025 AFCON 'most promising talent' - but Celtic could still muscle into transfer talks
Both Old Firm clubs are said to be keen on the Motherwell attacker in the January window
Rangers are understood to have made the first move to sign on of the Scottish Premiership’s standout players of the season, Tawanda Maswanhise, who is also on the radar of Glasgow rivals Celtic.
According to TeamTalk, the Ibrox side have initiated ‘preliminary discussions’ by sounding out the Zimbabwe international’s agent after the 24-year-old winger capped off another impressive display by netting his 15th goal of the campaign in the Steelmen’s 1-0 Scottish Cup win over Ross County on Saturday.
Now regarded as one of the league’s most potent attacking threats, Maswanhise has drawn plenty of admirers after he was recently named among the ‘Most Promising Talents’ at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Celtic boss Martin O’Neill was in attendance at Fir Park on Saturday to see Maswanhise in action and was quizzed on his scouting mission following Sunday’s cup win over Auchinleck Talbot.
However, it’s reported that Rangers have acted quickly with head coach Danny Rohl ready to dip back into the transfer market to bring in more wide options following last week’s capture of highly-rated Danish star Andreas Skov Olsen from Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg.
Maswanhise can operate on either flank or as a supporting striker - a role he has filled in recent weeks. His prolific scoring spree this term has catapulted Motherwell into a strong position to secure a top-four finish.
Tawanda Maswanhise deal faces ‘significant’ obstacles
Losing Mashwanise’s services in January would comes as a huge blow, but Rangers and Celtic both possess the financial muscle to make it difficult for Well’, who intend to dig their heels in.
Scouts from various EFL Championship clubs have also been tracking the versatile forward’s progress.
What have Motherwell said about Maswanhise’s future?
It follows Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou comments on recent rumours surrounding Maswanhise’s future as he vowed that the North Lanarkshire club will do everything possible to keep hold of the player this month.
The Dane confirmed on Monday there had been no bid from any team yet, and insists the Steelmen don’t have to cash in on Maswanhise.
“Am I calm about it? Yeah,” Askou said. “There was also interest in our players in the last window. That interest has been growing and will hopefully grow until we find the right moment with the player to move them on.
“That moment is NOT now. We’re halfway through a fantastic season so far, but there’s still room for improvement and that’s what we’re going to chase.
“We can’t keep Tawanda forever, and we shouldn’t keep him forever. But there’s no plan for any of our players to be moving on now, and there has been no-one coming with a big wish on that.
“On the contrary, everyone is really committed and excited about what we’re doing, and that’s the track we’re taking.”
Asked what Motherwell would do if a big offer did arrive for Maswanhise, he added: “That is something we will discuss, if that happens. But having sold Lennon Miller in the summer, it gives us a good foundation, so we are not in any stress at this club.
“Rushing things might be good right now, but in the long-term it’s sometimes better to be a little bit cool. We have no plans to make a big rebuild now.”