Rangers eye English ace on free transfer ahead of Celtic

Rangers are “monitoring” Coventry City midfielder Callum O’Hare ahead of his contract expiring in the summer, according to Tom Collomosse.

The Daily Mail journalist reported via Twitter on 1 March that the Light Blues and Old Firm rivals Celtic are both looking at the 25-year-old who is already free to work out a deal with clubs outside of England.

Sides from Spain are also interested as a trio are set to send scouts to watch him in action against West Brom on Friday night (1 March).

Collomosse wrote: “Believe up to three La Liga clubs will watch Callum O’Hare play for Coventry at West Brom on Friday.

“O’Hare out of contract this summer and free to agree terms with clubs outside England. Rangers/Celtic also monitoring.”

Rangers set to battle Celtic for free transfer signing?

O’Hare would clearly represent that sort of low-cost pick up that has characterised recent transfer windows at Ibrox, with players who are out of contract or due to expire proving key.

The likes of Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling and Tom Lawrence have all headed to Glasgow from English sides on frees and contributed strongly, at least when fit.

Todd Cantwell heads the list of low-fee signings who were already set to leave within months, although the struggles of Nico Raskin and Jose Cifuentes this term have made that more of a mixed bag.

Nine goals and four assists in all competitions this season for Englishman O’Hare suggest he could be an exciting addition to Philippe Clement’s side, although with Celtic in the mix there is potentially a risk of him lining up in opposition, as so often with potential targets.

Depending on who the Spanish sides in attendance at The Hawthorns might be it could be a difficult race to win either way, but if Rangers are interested it looks like they will need to be in talks as a matter of urgency to avoid getting left behind.

Attacking midfield is arguably not an area of major need in a thriving Gers squad currently, even with Cantwell out injured, but the manager won’t want to take anything for granted so adding from a position of strength can’t be ruled out.