Rangers ‘can beat Celtic’ to Bacanin transfer as club chief speaks out

Rangers could be set to fight Celtic for the transfer of Andrej Bacanin.

Russell Martin is preparing to take on Brendan Rodgers’ side, who finished 17 points ahead of the Gers in the Scottish Premiership last season, on and off the pitch.

The Ibrox outfit have already completed seven transfers, as well as turning Oscar Cortes’ loan into a permanent switch.

That business is not expected to stop anytime soon, as the new majority owners, the 49ers Enterprises group and Andrew Cavenagh, try to make an impression.

Rangers finished well behind Celtic last season.
Celtic won the league at a canter last time out.

Rangers battle Celtic for Bacanin signature

Rangers are set to battle their Old Firm rivals for the signature of Serbian talent Bacanin, with calls already made.

FK Cukaricki sporting director Vladimir Matijasevic told the club’s official website (20 July) that the Gers and Celtic are battling for the 18-year-old’s services.

He also revealed that a transfer is expected to be completed in the next 10 days, with Udinese and Ajax also interested, as he was left out for the league opener against Napretka due to the speculation.

He said: “There is a lot of interest in our young players, and currently the focus is on the transfer of Andrej Bačanin.

“We had calls from the Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers, Ajax, Udinese, and some other teams are interested.

“It is possible that some other options will appear, and I expect the transfer to be realised in the next ten days.”

Rangers stadium
Credit: Imago

Rangers can get one over on Celtic

The Light Blues have not had much to celebrate in terms of silverware over their local rivals lately, as the Hoops have been dominant in the league and enjoyed success in the last Premier Sports Cup final.

However, the Gers are unbeaten in the last three Old Firm clashes, winning on two occasions and could take a step closer if they get their business right.

If they can beat the champions to the signing of Bacanin, it would be a huge step in the right direction and show that Ibrox is a desirable place to go.

Bacanin is a midfielder, capable of controlling tempo, with an impressive passing range, and awareness and composure.

He would likely be a project rather than slotting straight into the team under Martin, but securing his signature would be far more significant than his impact on the pitch.

It would signal that the Bears are building a promising team, and are a destination that top-quality talents want to come to, as well as inflicting a blow on their Glasgow rivals

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