Rangers edge closer to double signing amid Chelsea loan talks
Rangers are on the verge of securing two significant additions to their squad ahead of their crucial Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos at Ibrox in just 21 days. With a lucrative group-stage spot in UEFA’s elite competition at stake, the club is acting swiftly in the transfer market.
Head coach Russell Martin has already added Dundee midfielder Lyall Cameron and Bournemouth full-back Max Aarons on a season-long loan to his squad. Now, deals for Leicester City defender Conor Coady and Bournemouth midfielder Joe Rothwell are reportedly close to being finalized.
Coady, a former England international with previous ties to Rangers sporting director Kevin Thelwell during their time at Everton, could arrive in Glasgow within 24 to 48 hours. The 32-year-old is in the final year of his Leicester contract, and the Foxes are prepared to sanction his departure.
Meanwhile, Rothwell is set to reunite with Martin, having worked under him at Southampton. Sky Sports reports that an agreement is already in place, with the 30-year-old turning down a potential move to La Liga in favor of a switch to Ibrox. Rothwell helped Leeds United achieve promotion to the Premier League during a recent loan spell.
Additionally, Rangers are reportedly in direct talks with Chelsea regarding a season-long loan move for 19-year-old defender Ishe Samuels-Smith. According to Football London, competition for the England youth international remains fierce, with Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and Stoke City also showing interest.
Despite speculation suggesting Hamza Igamane had travelled to France to finalize a move to Lille, The Daily Record states that the Moroccan forward has yet to depart, with negotiations between Rangers and the Ligue 1 side still ongoing.
Celtic Eye Fifth Summer Addition as Clubs Circle Kuhn and Yang
On the other side of Glasgow, Celtic are poised to confirm their fifth summer signing, following the arrivals of Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan, Benjamin Nygren, and Callum Osmand. Japanese defender Hayato Inamura is set to join from Albirex Niigata, after the J.League club confirmed his overseas transfer.
The 23-year-old centre-back, who can also operate at left-back, is expected to fill the void left by Greg Taylor, who has completed a move to Greek side PAOK after declining a contract extension at Parkhead. Speaking on his departure, Inamura stated:
“I have decided to transfer overseas. I’m sorry to leave during a difficult time for the team, but I’ll do my best to ensure people see this move as the right one in the long run.”
Meanwhile, Celtic are facing significant interest in two of their wingers. Reports indicate that Nicolas Kuhn is attracting attention from former club RB Leipzig, with the Hoops believed to have set a £15 million valuation, potentially rising above £17 million if a bidding war emerges. Kuhn, who tallied 21 goals and 15 assists last season, has also drawn links with Serie A side Como, though fresh reports suggest the Italians may be exploring alternative targets.
South Korean winger Hyun-Jun Yang is also on the radar of Legia Warsaw, with Sky Sports confirming that the Polish outfit is among several clubs in Europe and England monitoring the 23-year-old’s situation.
Elsewhere, West Ham United have officially announced the signing of Daniel Cummings, following the expiry of his contract at Celtic. The young Scottish midfielder has agreed a long-term deal and will join Mark Robson’s U21 development squad for pre-season.
