Rangers in pursuit of seven-figure 'player of interest' as Celtic search for long-term replacement for veteran ace
The latest headlines from both sides of the Old Firm with the transfer window less than a month away.
Danny Rohl is in the hunt for a £3.5m European midfielder, while Celtic have been urged to strengthen a specific position.
The domestic honeymoon period is well and truly over for Rohl, as Rangers have had underwhelming draw in their last two encounters. The Light Blues followed up a goalless draw against Falkirk with a 2-2 scoreline against Dundee United, in a match that could’ve been a lot worse, had it not been for a 98th minute Nedim Bajrami penalty. As the new manager prepares for his first transfer window in the Ibrox hot-seat, a young prospect from the Norwegian top-flight has caught his eye.
On the other side of the city, Wilfried Nancy will take charge of his first game for The Hoops on Sunday, when they take on Hearts at Celtic Park in a top-of-the-table showdown. If Celtic can beat their Edinburgh rivals, they will leapfrog them in the table for the first time since September. As Nancy tries to work out his best XI at Lennoxtown, the new Parkhead boss has been urged to strengthen the goalkeeper position in January. Here’s the latest transfer stories coming out of both Ibrox and Celtic Park.
Rangers tracking ‘player of interest’ Hjerto-Dahl
Rohl is monitoring the progress of Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjetro-Dahl, who currently plays for Tromso in the Eliteserien. Accoring to The Rangers Review understands: “Hjerto-Dahl is a player of interest to the Ibrox recruitment team after a series of impressive showings for club and country in recent months. A fee in the region of £3.5million could be required to tempt Tromso into doing business.”
The 20-year old is a versatile customer in the middle of the park, who can play in a six, eight or even box-to-box role. However if Rangers are after his signature they will have to beat the likes of Sunderland and Sheffield United to the punch. The latter of which tried to sign him last summer.
The Norwegian top-flight season reached it’s conclusion in November as Tromso finished third. Hjerto-Dahl notched an impressive four goals and six assists from midfield during the campaign. His contract will run out in the summer of 2027.
Celtic urged to ‘strengthen’ goalkeeping options
As Celtic stopper Kasper Schmeichel edges ever-closer to the age of 40, The Hoops have been urged to start looking for a long-term replacement. The Dane has been a solid figure between the sticks at Celtic Park since he was signed by Brendan Rodgers in July 2024.
Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke said: “I think obviously it is an area of the team that the Celtic recruitment personnel are looking to strengthen, the goalkeeping options. Kasper Schmeichel is out of contract in the summer and again, he’s not getting any younger. He’s had such an illustrious career, but Celtic are now looking to bring in a new number one.”
Celtic offloaded Scott Bain to Falkirk in the summer, while backup keeper Viljami Sinisalo has had limited Parkhead game-time as he’s behind Schmeichel in the pecking order. Third choice Ross Doohan is yet to feature for Celtic since rejoining the side in June.