Celtic are now looking to battle Rangers for the services of AEK Athens left-back James Penrice this summer.
The 27-year-old could be making his return to Scottish football over the coming weeks, with the two Old Firm sides looking for a full-back.
Rangers were mulling over a £2.1m move for the Scottish left-back as they are keen on hiring a backup for Tuur Rommens.
Penrice was also spotted near Ibrox amid speculation over a move to the Light Blues in the coming weeks.
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Give Me Sport’s Ben Jacobs reported that the Hoops have made initial contact as they have touched base with Athens over the availability of Penrice.
The 27-year-old moved to the Greek side last summer and managed to win the league with them in his first season.
After a year there, Rangers News understands that he is open to the possibility of making a return to Scotland.
Rangers take on Saint-Etienne in their first public friendly of the summer on Wednesday…
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Both the Gers’ and the Hoops’ interest is not currently at an advanced stage, although the former have been linked with the defender for nearly two months.
So far, they have not made an offer for him, and beyond initial talks, nothing has materialised into a concrete transfer saga.
However, Rangers have been keeping tabs on Penrice’s situation, and could spring into action amid interest from Celtic.
Why are Rangers and Celtic keen on Penrice?
Penrice’s age and past experience in Scottish football make him an obvious fit for the two Old Firm sides.
At 27, he is nearing his prime and has spent years in Scotland, so he knows what it takes to succeed in those conditions.
Prior to his move to Athens, he was Hearts’ Player of the Year and also made PFA Scotland’s Premiership Team of the Year.
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The money is there to be spent!
Getting in one of the best defenders in recent seasons will certainly be viewed as shrewd business, even if he is going to be the backup.
Penrice is also good at creating chances, with his whipped deliveries from the wings known to cause chaos in the opposition penalty area.
Due to his stamina, he is capable of providing underlapping and overlapping runs all game, contributing immensely to the team’s attack.
