Jackie McNamara has claimed that Rangers have an advantage over Celtic in the race to sign Charlton star Joe Aribo but only until next week.
The former Scotland international believes that Rangers have the advantage due to the Gers having a permanent manager and having firm transfer plans in place.
McNamara is a fan of the youngster, who scored 10 goals this season, and thinks that due to Celtic’s circumstances, the Gers are the ones who have the ascendency.
“I saw him the other night in the match (League One play-off semi), he looks strong and quick and looks a good prospect,” McNamara told Football Insider.
“The big thing for Rangers is they can do certain things while Celtic need to wait till after next week.
“It depends on what the lad’s promised. Just now if he’s getting a contract at Rangers it’s different because the manager’s in place.”
OPINION
Celtic are yet to appoint a new manager and it would make little sense if they signed a player which the new manager might not want. This gives Rangers a head start and if Steven Gerrard really wants the midfielder at Ibrox he has a decent chance of landing him. Aribo has played a starring role for Charlton this season and has the chance to win promotion to the Championship if his side defeat Sunderland at Wembley next Sunday. He is brimming with potential and could definitely make an impact for the Gers next term as Gerrard looks to bridge the gap between themselves and Celtic. Aribo’s market value could sore in the future and the Gers should do all they can to fend off competition from Frankfurt. His pace, eye for goal and youthful energy would benefit the side and it could turn out to be a really smart investment if he is available.