By Daniel Feliciano

21st Apr, 2023 | 7:10pm

Rangers and Celtic battle for summer transfer of Koln ace Denis Huseinbasic

Rangers and Celtic are set to do battle this summer as both clubs look to sign Koln midfielder Denis Huseinbasic, according to BILD.

The Germany Under-20 international joined Koln for just €50,000 last summer, but is now said to be worth around €5m (£4.4m) after his four goals and one assist across 23 appearances this season.

And his fine form has attracted the interest of both Ange Postecoglou and Michael Beale for the summer, with BILD (21 April) claiming the “top talent” is open to a move abroad for more game time.

Battles

Rangers and Celtic are known for their battles on the pitch, but it isn’t that often in recent times that the teams have gone head-to-head for the same players in the transfer market.

But as it stands it would likely need Beale to step in and intervene in the negotiations personally to convince Huseinbasic that Ibrox is the place for him because of Celtic’s dominance in recent years.

The 21-year-old is capable of playing as a striker or anywhere behind the front man, and his technical ability is something that will surely fit in with what the manager wants at Rangers for next season.

But at that price it’s hard to see him coming in and finding a spot in the starting lineup ahead of the likes of Antonio Colak, Malik Tillman, Todd Cantwell and Fashion Sakala plus whoever else were to arrive.

There is likely interest because it’s certainly the type of deal that Rangers have pulled off in the past, but we’re not going to get too carried away by it just yet.

In other Rangers news, Beale has hinted that this trio will leave the club at the end of the season.