Celtic are now making a £2m bid for the star Rangers have been waiting to sign

Celtic have made efforts to sign AEK Athens defender James Penrice, but there could be competition from Scottish rivals Rangers.

The Hoops are looking for a new full-back to provide competition for Kieran Tierney, and Penrice could fit the bill, given he already has plenty of experience in the Scottish Premiership, having spent time with Patrick Thistle, Livingston and Hearts.

The 27-year-old has made 108 appearances in the top flight for Scottish football, showing his attacking prowess with four goals and 14 assists, meaning he is also ready to play in more advanced areas of the pitch.

Throughout his career to date, the Scotland international has consistently played in left midfield and in the middle of the park, suggesting he can fill in for other players when needed, rather than being a full-back for Tierney.

In fact, during his time with Hearts in the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season, the versatile defender managed to create 56 chances, which was the highest number in the club, and was hailed as “outstanding” by former manager Neil Critchley.

Considering Tierney was also one of the Hoops’ best players in the league last season, it would make sense to have the same player as a back-up man, and Martin O’Neill’s side are now combining their pursuit of the AEK Athens man.

Celtic are making an attempt to sign James Penrice

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Celtic have now made a move to sign Penrice, who is seen as a “support option” for Tierney next season.

The Hoops making a move could worry Rangers, considering they were expecting to win the race for the former Hearts man, who joined AEK Athens in a £2m deal last summer.

Marcelo Saracchi left “overwhelmed” by Celtic’s departure

Celtic’s desire to sign a new left-back stems from their failure to permanently sign Marcelo Saracchi, who returned on loan to parent club Boca Juniors earlier this month.

However, Saracchi made it clear that leaving Parkhead was not his intention, saying: “I’m writing this to say goodbye, we had an intense, beautiful year together where we achieved many of our goals.

“Me and my agent have done everything we can to get back to Glasgow. I’m very happy that I won’t be able to stay at the club.

“However, I know our paths will cross again tomorrow. I wish you all the best in the future. Thank you for everything.”

O’Neill could also be tasked with signing a new midfielder this summer, with Arne Engels now asking to leave, amid widespread interest from the Premier League.