The Old Firm rivalry is set to ignite in the summer transfer window, with Rangers aiming to jump ahead of Celtic in the race to sign Motherwell’s Elliot Watt.
Rangers launch move to sign Elliot Watt
The Gers have endured a miserable few weeks. For the first time in his tenure, questions have been asked about Danny Rohl‘s job security, and the German hardly helped himself by picking a public battle with James Tavernier in the final stages of the captain’s Ibrox career.
Nonetheless, the 49ers have continued to back their manager ahead of next season, in which they’ll hope to finally dethrone Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
The first step towards beating their rivals to silverware next season may well take place in the summer transfer window, as both clubs go in pursuit of a familiar face.
According to the Scottish Sun, Rangers have launched contact to sign Watt in an attempt to get ahead of Celtic, who have also made an enquiry about the £3m Motherwell midfielder.
The 26-year-old is someone that Rohl admires and that is undoubtedly playing a part in the Gers’ pursuit. Whether they can lure him to Ibrox instead of Celtic or other interested parties like Cardiff City remains to be seen, however.
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Watt is likely part of a transfer revamp by Rangers, who could be set to focus on Scottish Premiership talents rather than unknown EFL names, which have failed to set the world alight in the last 12 months. If that is the case, then the Motherwell star would certainly be a good start.
“Elite” Watt could replace Raskin
It’s not a major shock that Rangers are targeting a midfielder ahead of the summer window. After missing out on silverware and Champions League football, interest could arrive in pursuit of Nicolas Raskin’s signature yet again this summer. And, this time, he is in no position to stay put at Ibrox.
His departure would come as a major blow, but the arrival of Watt would quickly ease any concerns. UEFA licensed coach and analyst John Walker went as far as to say that the 26-year-old is an “elite level No.6” and that’s the level Rangers will need if they are to replace Raskin.
Departing Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou has also been full of praise for Watt this year, saying back in January: “He’s grown into a highly respected leader within the group, always driving our performance levels to the highest standards.”
All signs a pointing towards a player who’s ready for a big move. Whether that comes courtesy of Rangers or Celtic remains to be seen, however.
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A squad overhaul is needed at Rangers, particularly in the forward line.