How Derek McInnes and Rangers can now hijack James Penrice transfer from Celtic

Derek McInnes has an opportunity to finally work with James Penrice at Rangers.

The Gers have been linked with a move for the AEK Athens left-back for some time, but Celtic have now entered the transfer race.

Martin O'Neill is looking to add cover for Kieran Tierney in the Hoops' squad ahead of next season.

Danny Rohl was a fan of Penrice and was considering bringing him to Ibrox, but a move to Parkhead could be on the cards now.

McInnes joined Hearts last summer and was disappointed to see the Scottish defender, whom he compared to a young Andy Robertson, leave.

The 55-year-old head coach can now hijack a possible deal from his fierce rivals once the left-back's transfer is green-lit.

What Rangers and Celtic are doing to sign James Penrice

Ibrox News covered recent claims of Penrice being "appreciated" at Rangers.

Now, Celtic have made initial contact with AEK to enquire about the defender's situation and availability.

According to the Daily Record on 21 July, McInnes has yet to rekindle the Gers' initial interest in the 27-year-old.

As a result, the door is now open for the Hoops to make their move, but that may reignite the Govan side's pursuit.

The Scottish manager clearly needs another new left-back, with Tuur Rommens the only senior option in the position for now.

Penrice will surely have to fight for his game time at both Old Firm clubs, but the Ibrox hierarchy may hold the advantage due to McInnes' long-standing admiration for the defender.

Derek McInnes to have unorthodox defensive solution at Ibrox

Rangers play their first competitive game under McInnes against Dundee United at Tannadice Park on 31 July.

The Scottish manager has limited options in his backline for now, but if Rommens ends up being unavailable before a new left-back is signed, Ross McCrorie can play in the position.

During the Auchenhowie graduate's time at Aberdeen, McInnes played him across the backline and could do the same again at the Gers.

Fans are expecting plenty more additions at the Glaswegian outfit until deadline day, but it remains to be seen whether Penrice will be one of them.