The representatives of James Penrice have firmly dismissed ongoing speculation linking the AEK Athens left-back with a summer transfer to Rangers, insisting that there is absolutely no foundation to persistent rumours circulating across Scottish and Greek media.
The 27-year-old former Hearts star, who made the high-profile move to the Greek Super League side to further his career abroad, has repeatedly found his name dragged back into the Scottish transfer rumour mill.
Whenever transfer windows open, talk of a prospective move to Ibrox seems to resurface in regional media outlets and across social media platforms.
The Light Blues have been linked with a move to Penrice all summer, with recent reports mooting a £2.1million move for the AEK ace.
However, speaking on SPORT24’s YouTube show Box2Box on 21 July, prominent Greek reporter Antonis Oikonomides provided a definitive clarification directly from the player’s inner circle.
Is James Penrice a good signing for Rangers? 🤔
James Penrice to Rangers transfer put to bed
According to Oikonomides, both the player’s representatives and decision-makers at Ibrox have no active communication or mutual interest in bringing about a transfer deal during the current registration period.
Addressing the recurring stories linking Penrice with Derek McInnes‘ squad, the Greek journalist made it clear that the player’s camp considers the entire storyline to be completely baseless background noise rather than a genuine footballing possibility.
He said, “Rangers have always been a constant, unchanging focal point within this circle of Penrice’s admirers.
“I didn’t see it happening when we were discussing it during the previous transfer window, I didn’t see it before this one even started, and I don’t see it now that the Rangers name has resurfaced.
“The player’s side denies it, maintaining that there is absolutely nothing with Rangers.”
Oikonomides was particularly keen to ensure Scottish football supporters were not misled by exaggerated reports originating in the Greek press, emphasising that Rangers are simply not pursuing the former Hearts defender.
He added, “What is clear is that Rangers are not interested.
“So, for goodness’ sake, just so I’m not misunderstood or say anything out of line, it’s being said that there is no interest from Rangers – and that there still isn’t – for Penrice.
Rangers take on Saint-Etienne in their first public friendly of the summer on Wednesday…
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Celtic window of opportunity remains open
While shutting the door completely on an Ibrox transfer, Oikonomides added a captivating secondary twist to the situation by revealing that Celtic continue to keep tabs on Penrice’s situation in Athens.
The Hoops previously tracked the Scottish full-back prior to his departure from Tynecastle, and they reportedly maintain an open file on his performances in Greece.
According to Oikonomides, while no official transfer negotiations or formal bids have taken place between Celtic and AEK Athens, Penrice remains prominent on a shortlist of targets as they evaluate options to bolster their defensive depth on the left-hand side.
This presents a distinct window of opportunity for a potential Celtic swoop if the Parkhead hierarchy decide to formalise their admiration later in the window.
Oikonomides said, “However, there is an open door, a small window of opportunity for Celtic. Let me remind you that Celtic wanted him before he came to AEK from Hearts.
“Because he is on a list for Celtic, who are looking for a player in that position, that’s worth keeping an eye on – not that there’s an offer, a formal approach, or even an inquiry at this stage.”
Ben Jacobs has since reported that Celtic have enquired about the possibility of signing Penrice this summer, as a back-up to Kieran Tierney.
