It’s already been a summer full of drama in Scotland. Whilst the country has been partying in the streets of Boston, Rangers have been hanging Hearts out to dry, signing captain Lawrence Shankland before then hiring Derek McInnes to replace Danny Rohl.
The Gers have been ruthless after a tough campaign last time out, which saw them finish below those at Tynecastle. The 49ers aren’t done there, either.
Bigger talent than Just: Rangers making big push to sign £40m star on loan
Rangers are reportedly interested in a deal to sign a star who is an even bigger talent than target Elijah Just.
They’ve still got their sights set on more reinforcements and could yet welcome the likes of Mikey Moore back to the club for a second loan spell.
Celtic, meanwhile, have endured a slower start. They’ve made the decision to keep hold of Martin O’Neill instead of finding a new manager, but are yet to welcome his first signing of the window.
The likes of Elijah Just are still threatening to steal the headlines at Celtic Park, but before the Motherwell man can arrive, the Bhoys have their sights set on landing a defender ahead of Rangers.
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If the Bhoys can land additions ASAP then they will be pleased. But if they can land those additions whilst getting one over on their biggest rivals, then they’ll be delighted.
According to Rudy Galetti, Celtic have now launched an offer to sign Zinedin Smajlovic from Sandefjord in Norway. The offer is reportedly worth as much as €6.5m (£6m) with bonuses, but Sandefjord are under no pressure to sell.
The Hoops are not set to get a free run at the towering defender, either. Rangers have also made contact in pursuit of Smajlovic and could hijack Celtic’s move in shock fashion.
Having already weakened Hearts by signing Shankland and McInnes this summer, it would be quite the move if Rangers managed to sign one of Celtic’s top targets.
Only two teams in the top six conceded more goals than Rangers last season and their backline is a clear area of concern for McInnes. Whether those at Ibrox are willing to match Celtic’s offer for Smajlovic remains to be seen, however.
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