COMMENT
With January upon the Scottish Premiership Glasgow rivals Celtic and Rangers are going to be battling out for supremacy off the pitch – and it seems to be first blood to the side from Ibrox.
After the Scotsman claimed that both sides were keen on snapping up Bournemouth’s Jermaine Defoe after being told he could leave the Cherries, Sky Sports proceeded to report that it was Steven Gerrard who would have the England veteran at his disposal for the next 18 months on loan.
Losing out on such an experienced talent to any side is a bitter pill for Celtic to swallow but missing out to their fiercest rivals is a massive blow, especially when they are both challenging for the Scottish title this season.
The Hoops need to find a way to forget about Defoe as soon as possible and they could make Rangers green with envy by making an ambitious loan move for Liverpool’s Dominic Solanke after a surprise turn of events surrounding the Reds hitman.
The BBC claim that Solanke looked destined for Crystal Palace, Roy Hodgson even confirming the Eagles’ interest in his capture, but a surprise twist, coming as the result of worries over his fitness, mean he is not heading to Selhurst Park.
With the report claiming there are a number of sides interested in the 21-year-old, Rangers linked with his services in the build up to January, Celtic need to take that leap of faith and swoop for his capture – putting any thought of Defoe behind them.
He might not have the same goal record as the Bournemouth man but the England under-21 international is an electric talent who can bring a new lease of life to Celtic’s attack and rival Defoe for best January signing.
Celtic have a battle on their hands in Scotland’s top flight and need someone to sink Rangers’ hopes – Solanke ticks all the boxes.