Rangers in transfer chase for 'highly sought' former Sunderland star as Celtic told to target two departments

It’s the season of giving and Rangers plus Celtic will hope for some bargains when the January sales open up next month.

Both are trailing Hearts in the Premiership title race, and each side of the Old Firm heads into the winter transfer window under new management. Danny Rohl has had time to assess his Rangers side while Wilfried Nancy’s early days at Celtic have come under fire after a switch to his preferred back three.

Now both will be scrutinised in recruitment that could define where the title goes come May. From where Celtic must shop to a former Sunderland man attracting Rangers interest, here are some of the latest rumours with regards the Glasgow giants.

Celtic transfer needs assessed

Celtic hero Pat Bonner reckons a striker and some defensive solidity will be needed in the transfer window. The Hoops have passed up several chances in Nancy’s first five games to date and at the back during four straight losses, had an element of fragility.

Bonner said on Sportsound: “Celtic need a striker to put the ball in the back of the net. Any top, top class striker would’ve probably scored maybe three or four goals there . There is no question. He’s just got to tighten up those defensive qualities. That’s the bit I would think he might bring in a player to consolidate that.”

Nancy said post-match: “The players did really, really well. We hit five times the post and I've never seen that in my life. We deserved more. I can see an improvement every game. I'm happy for the players because they deserved it. Many teams could've been down with all the chances we had but we kept going wave after wave after wave and I'm really proud of that. Good for the players just to validate what they did because I know that it was not easy for them. They need a bit of time. I'm happy for the players. I'm happy for the fans, I'm happy for the club, I'm happy for the board. We chase anybody. The idea is to compete with ourselves. After that, the standings, we'll see."

Rangers chasing former Sunderland player

An update has been provided on Rangers’ pursuit of midfielder Pierre Ekwah. The former Sunderland man who was contracted and featured at the Stadium of Light between 2023 and this summer is in a stand-off with Saint-Etienne who he impressed with at Ligue 1 level. A January move could now beckon and Rangers are one of the clubs standing ready.

Peuple Vert state: “The Pierre Ekwah saga continues to roil AS Saint-Étienne. Despite the club exercising its purchase option this summer, the midfielder still refuses to rejoin the squad, believing he shouldn't be playing in Ligue 2. This situation has led the two parties into a legal dispute, with the hearing now postponed until 2026.

“Meanwhile, the player remains highly sought after. Udinese, Glasgow Rangers, and another European club are closely monitoring his situation. However, any transfer is contingent on the resolution of the legal dispute, as ASSE has no intention of letting go of a player in whom they have invested. It's a complex matter that could drag on.”