OPINION
With the Scottish Premiership season in full swing, it is fair to say that Glasgow rivals Rangers and Celtic are as close to each other as they have been for quite some time.
The Hoops, heading into the current campaign off the back of two successive treble winning seasons, are still ahead of the Light Blues in the table but only by two points, and are three points and a place behind league leaders Hearts.
As well as being close domestically, the Old Firm sides are also fighting on the same level on the European front, having both made it to the Europa League group stages.
While Rangers were busy in the transfer window, making a whole host of new signings, Celtic were not as prolific, and while the market might be closed it does not stop either side snapping up a free agent.
One man who is out of contract and has been speaking about a potential move to Scotland is former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor, who saw his deal with the Villans expire in the summer and is still yet to find his next side.
He has touted a possible move north of the border, but insisted that it would only be Parkhead or Ibrox that he would be interested in moving to, stating to the Scottish Sun: “Having been at Villa all my career, I did not want to play for another Championship club. I appreciate the offers, it just didn’t feel right.
“As for the SPL, unless it’s one of the big couple of clubs, to be honest, that doesn’t excite me.
“I don’t want to retire yet. I admit I have made some mistakes, I do have some regrets but that’s life, who hasn’t made mistakes? Hopefully I will be remembered by the [Aston Villa] fans for the good times.”
Agbonlahor has previously spoke about a desire to play for Celtic but they must not give him a glimmer of hope of securing a deal at Parkhead, instead leaving Ibrox as his only possible destination.
Yes, Brendan Rodgers could do with a new striker but Agbonlahor, who has 322 Premier League appearances under his belt, is not the answer, having struggled to establish himself in the Championship in recent months.
Celtic are still a cut above a player of Agbonlahor’s level and the Hoops must be happy to leave him to Rangers, although there is no guarantee they would want him either.