Rangers now one step closer as Daizen Maeda wants out of Celtic
Rangers fans will certainly rejoice in Celtic’s misery as Daizen Maeda is set to push for an exit in the winter transfer window.
The two Old Firm clubs have had to struggle with their own issues this season, with Brendan Rodgers surprisingly resigning at Parkhead at the end of October.
Russell Martin also lasted 123 days at Ibrox after an abysmal start to the season under the new ownership of Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, with Danny Rohl subsequently replacing the former Southampton manager.
With the Glaswegian clubs in somewhat of a turmoil, Hearts have taken the initiative in the William Hill Premiership, looking to break the duopoly in the league after 40 years under Derek McInnes.
Celtic misery to continue as Rangers stabilise under Danny Rohl
Celtic are already lining up replacements for Maeda ahead of the winter transfer window, according to the Daily Record.
The news outlet reports on 12 November that the Japan international is looking to leave the Hoops in January, which will certainly be received well at Ibrox.
It’s been claimed that there’s still strong interest in the 28-year-old forward, and he could finally leave after Parkhead chiefs blocked his exit in the summer.
Maeda has been one of the leading goalscorers for Celtic in recent seasons, and his departure will undoubtedly be a big blow to them as they look to get back into the title race.
Rohl will be confident about his chances in the William Hill Premiership after winning three back-to-back league matches, and with Hearts dropping a few points in their recent games.
With Celtic’s concerns seemingly growing larger as the season progresses, the Light Blues will feel they are one step closer to challenging Derek McInnes’ team, with their Old Firm rivals surely out of the picture if they lose Maeda.
Danny Rohl to do what Russell Martin failed at Ibrox
Martin was unable to take advantage of Celtic’s miseries, with the Scottish manager leaving the Gers with a 29 per cent win rate.
Rangers went off to their worst start in a league campaign since 1978 under the ex-Saints boss, but it looks like Rohl has finally steadied the ship in Govan.
The Gers have some winnable fixtures on paper coming up against the likes of Livingston, Dundee United and Kilmarnock, with a trip to Tynecastle Park scheduled for 21 December.
Rohl has the opportunity to close the 12-point gap with Hearts in the coming weeks, and it doesn’t look like Celtic are in a position to build a title challenge owing to their on and off-field issues.
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