Rangers transfer news: Ibrox side ‘genuine threat’ to Celtic in Tasos Douvikas hijack attempt
Rangers would “love to land a blow” on Celtic after emerging as a “genuine threat” to their Old Firm rivals in the race to sign Tasos Douvikas, according to TEAMtalk.
The 23-year-old striker was already thought to be interesting Ange Postecoglou’s side, but as Michael Beale embarks on his summer rebuild at Ibrox the Gers are now in line for an attempt at a “hijack”.
The Light Blues boss needs help up front after it was announced the Alfredo Morelos was leaving at the expiry of his contract next month, while injuries have robbed Kemar Roofe’s availability for most of his time in charge, and last summer’s arrival Antonio Colak is apparently not his preference.
TEAMtalk had broken the Rangers interest via Twitter, but in the report on their website it goes further to say: “TEAMtalk understands Rangers are becoming a genuine threat to Celtic’s proposed move for Utrecht frontman, Anastasios Douvikas…
“TEAMtalk have been told Rangers could yet scupper Celtic’s plan and launch their own move for Douvikas.
“We understand Rangers are hot on the striker’s trail and would love to land a blow on their bitter rivals by bringing the striker to Ibrox.”
Two birds
If Douvikas is the target that Beale has identified as the man to lead his line next season for Rangers, and after 18 goals and four assists in 31 Eredivisie appearances for Utrecht it isn’t perhaps hard to see why, then he will want to push to bring him in for his own gain above all.
But if it upsets the rival transfer plans over at Celtic Park then that is a double benefit as he looks to close the gap on the SPFL winners.
After 36 games in the league this season Rangers are 19 short of the 108 goals the Hoops have scored, and with Morelos joined by the likes of Ryan Kent and Scott Arfield in departing, the Gers boss has a clear shortfall to make up.
Malik Tillman’s loan move may not be made permanent either so there is a large chunk of attacking output that needs replacing as a matter of urgency.
Bringing in a young forward who has netted 20 times in all competitions would be a solid starting point, and is the sort of signing that would excite supporters for the campaign ahead.
But if Celtic have been on Douvikas’ case for longer then there is likely to be ground to make up in the transfer race, just as there is in a more general sense, and seeing that firepower added to Postecoglou’s ranks would be deflating.
A head-to-head Old Firm battle in the transfer market is likely to be an early opportunity for either side to gain a psychological victory, but whoever comes out on top will need to back it up on the pitch next year.
In other Rangers news, Beale has been tipped to need multiple £5million signings this summer amid a “massive investment” verdict.