Celtic are reportedly readying a bid for Atletico Madrid youngster Rodrigo Riquelme, who starred against Rangers in the UEFA Youth League in February.
Both Old Firm clubs were linked with interest in the 19-year-old playmaker by a recent report from Spanish publication Marca.
Yet, now, the Daily Record have picked up a Corriere Dello Sport report which claims the Hoops are stepping things up with a ‘big economic offer’ coming Riquelme’s way.
The teenager’s contract is set to expire this summer, suggesting that he’s available for transfer, even though he made an appearance for the first team in La Liga earlier in the campaign.
Verdict
Any of the 900 or so Rangers fans who turned up at Firhill or the rest who tuned into BT Sport to watch the 4-0 Youth League defeat to Atletico will be able to tell you that Riquelme is a serious talent.
He earned rave reviews from Bears for a standout performance that afternoon during which he showed the ability to beat defenders and to thread passes.
As is always an indication of a top player, he looked to have more time on the ball than anyone else on the pitch.
It’s often tough to tell how much to read into brief reports such as these and given his level of ability, it would be a major surprise if the only interest in his signature came from Scotland’s big two.
However, if the player does prove to be genuinely available, it would be much better for Rangers if he was turning out in Light Blue next season rather than in Hoops.
