Rangers have ‘no interest’ in Luis Palma as Celtic path left clear
Rangers have had no interest in winger Luis Palma throughout the transfer window, according to Jonny McFarlane.
The Gers have been linked with the Honduras international during the summer and it was reported by the Daily Mail on Thursday (24 August) that Old Firm rivals Celtic had bid £3.5million for the Aris Thessaloniki player.
However, McFarlane – writing in the Rangers Review (24 August) – said Michael Beale, who has made nine signings this window, was not looking to add Palma to his squad despite being interested in replacing Ryan Kent on the flanks.
“The Ibrox club have been consistently linked with the attacker but there has been no interest during this transfer window as they direct resources towards others,” McFarlane wrote.
“Micheal Beale has signed nine players already this summer but only Abdallah Sima is able to play on the flank. Rangers have tended to play without line-hugging wingers under the English manager but he has said he’s still looking to replace Ryan Kent who left for Fenerbahce on freedom of contract in June.
“Reports emerged last night that Celtic launched a £3.5million bid for Palma as Brendan Rodgers looks to prise the 23-year-old from Greek side Aris Thessaloniki. Watford and Anderlecht have also been attributed with interest in the in-form star, but Rangers will not be involved in the bidding.”
A line drawn in the sand
Rangers have been extremely active in the transfer window and signing number 10 may well still end up being a winger given what McFarlane has said in his latest update.
But it appears as though it will definitely not be Palma who is next through the door at Ibrox and, given what was revealed by the Daily Mail, perhaps it is a good thing.
There is little needed to light the touchpaper on one of the fiercest and greatest rivalries in world football, and Celtic now seemingly have free reign to try and bring Palma to Glasgow.
For Beale, the focus is probably still on the pitch and trying to integrate the nine signings he has made fully into the squad, with a bedding in period still taking place.
Qualifying for the Champions League group stages would be a great start, with Rangers having drawn 2-2 with PSV in the first leg of their play-off round tie.
In other Rangers news, the club have been handed a big Old Firm boost after a double Celtic injury blow.