A round-up of key transfer stories involving Celtic and Rangers.
Rangers and Celtic are both writing up their wishlists for the January transfer window as they prepare for a crucial month in the season that can either make or break a team’s chances of success.
The Light Blues, who have endured a difficult first half of the season, are expected to be active once again as they do everything they can to try and bridge the 11 points gap between themselves and champions Celtic.
Throughout January and the summer, Rangers were heavily linked with former Scotland Under-21 international Josh Doig as the Glasgow side considered allowing Ridvan Yilmaz to leave.
Speculation surrounding a move for the former Hibs man went quiet towards the end of the transfer window and ultimately the Edinburgh born defender opted to remain in Serie B with Italian side Sassuolo.
Reflecting on talk surrounding his future, Doig told Rangers News: “To be fair, after my first ever transfer window when there was loads of chat I kind of let it get to my head and stuff.
“So I think after that I said to my agent and my dad that they can deal with it.
“I didn’t want to hear anything unless the deal was done. Unless I need to go and sign a paper I’m not really interested.
Obviously my pals would speak about it and stuff but I don’t know how close it really got.
“I wouldn’t be able to sit and say (there were official transfer discussions), I’d be lying. So honestly, I don’t know. I do know there was talks and stuff, but I couldn’t sit and tell you, because I genuinely don’t know. I would just be lying.”
Celtic plot move for former Sheffield United fan favourite
Celtic have expressed an interest in signing out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder James McAtee in the January transfer window, according to reports from Caught Offside.
The Hoops sit top of the Premiership table and have made a strong start to life in Europe but remain keen to bolster their midfield so that they can compete on all fronts.
McAtee has enjoyed two hugely productive loan spells at Sheffield United and was regarded as a huge fan favourite at Bramall Lane due to his exceptional workrate, creativity and eye for goal.
However, so far this season he has been limited to just one minute of Premier League action for Pep Guardiola’s side despite the team’s recent slump in form. He did, however, show signs of his quality with a well taken goal in a 4-0 victory against Slovan Bratislava earlier in the Champions League campaign.
Caught Offside understands that Manchester City may consider offers of around £20m for McAtee as they aim to raise funds for defensive midfield reinforcements after starman Rodri’s long-term ACL injury.
