Sources: Celtic and Rangers now keen to take 'special' £60m Premier League star on loan, January deal possible

Today at 01:15 PM

• EXCLUSIVE with Graeme Bailey

Rangers need to do something special in January if they are to make up the current 11-point gap on Celtic.

Philippe Clement has overseen a woeful start to the 2024/25 campaign at Ibrox, winning only seven of 12 Scottish Premiership outings so far this season, with Celtic still unbeaten under Brendan Rodgers.

A gap of this margin will take some effort to make up, but TBR Football understand Rangers are motivated to do exactly that by bringing a top Premier League talent to Glasgow in Evan Ferguson – although Celtic are also keen.

Celtic and Rangers set to do battle over Evan Ferguson

Sources have now informed TBR Football that both the Bhoys and the Gers want to sign the Republic of Ireland international on loan this winter – after Brighton made him available for a January move.

Ferguson – who Jamie Carragher called a “special” talent – has struggled for playing time under Fabian Hurzeler at the Amex Stadium so far this season, making just one Premier League start.

TBR Football understand the £60m-rated Irishman has become frustrated with his lack of action, and the Seagulls have now given the green light for a loan exit in January.

Celtic and Rangers have both expressed an interest in Ferguson – who has been compared to Alan Shearer – while TBR Football are also aware that West Ham, Southampton, Leicester and Fulham are keen.

However, Brighton want assurances from whoever wins this transfer battle that the 20-year-old will play regularly during his loan spell.

Ferguson – who TBR Football have been told is still rated as one of the best young strikers around by Brighton – also has interest from clubs in Spain, France, Italy and Germany.

What Evan Ferguson has previously said about Celtic

Celtic and Ferguson actually have some history.

The Drogheda-born striker underwent a trial with the Hoops as a youngster, and has also expressed his admiration for Liam Scales.

When asked if Celtic had ever made a bid for him during his time with St Kevin’s Boys and Bohemians, Ferguson told Open Goal: “Nah I don’t think so, but I went on a few trials when I was younger. (When asked for his favourite Celtic player) I don’t know. At the minute I am going to say Liam Scales.”

If Celtic can make an enticing proposal to the Brighton No.28 this winter, he could well be a teammate of Scales for the second half of the 2024/25 campaign.