Rangers and Celtic could be set to do battle in the January transfer market, after locking horns twice on the pitch over the past two weeks.
Derek McInnes‘ side came out on top on both occasions, most recently running out 1-0 winners at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership courtesy of Ryan Naderi’s first-half goal, but the Hoops remain two points clear at the top of the table.
That said, after a shaky start under McInnes, the Gers have started to build some real momentum, having won their last five league matches on the spin, and they fully deserved to prevail in the most recent Old Firm derby based on the balance of play.
|
Match statistics |
Rangers |
Celtic |
|
xG |
1.75 |
0.39 |
|
Big chances |
3 |
1 |
|
Shots |
15 |
5 |
|
Shots on target |
8 |
1 |
|
Touches in opposition box |
28 |
18 |
McInnes was pleased with what his team offered on the front foot after a slow start, saying: “We knew it would take a big performance, a different set of circumstances obviously, with no supporters, but we had to get off to a strong start.
“I didn’t think we were great the first 10/15 minutes, but I thought once we managed to get a grip of the game, we looked a real threat, and we thoroughly deserved to go in front at half-time.”
However, despite looking impressive from an attacking point of view last time out, the Gers remain keen on improving their attack during the January transfer window, and they have now entered contention to sign a Premier League forward.
Rangers and Celtic keen on signing Max Dowman
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are now mulling over whether to let Max Dowman leave on loan during the winter window, with the 16-year-old playing just nine minutes of Premier League football so far this season.
There is widespread interest in the right-winger, and over a dozen clubs have already registered their interest in signing him, with Rangers and Celtic also keen to take the teenager north of the border.
Ally McCoist is thought to be a huge fan of the youngster, and has already urged his former club to make a move, saying: “Aye, I would take him, 100 per cent I’d take him at Ibrox.
“I would [loan him out]. I wouldn’t have a problem with it if Mikel Arteta thought it was the best thing for his development.”
The starlet has already started to make an impact at Arsenal, winning the Arsenal Goal of the Season award for his effort in a 2-0 victory against Everton last season.
Arteta is a big fan of Dowman too, describing him as “unbelievable”, but at this stage a loan move might be the right move for all parties, considering it will be difficult for the young Englishman to dislodge Bukayo Saka in Arsenal’s starting XI.