Rangers Pursue Driouech as Celtic Targets Hassan and Ghedjemis
Rangers have been knocked back again in their pursuit of Couhaib Driouech, with PSV Eindhoven rejecting an improved £6m bid for the winger as the market around him suddenly heats up.
The Ibrox club had returned to the table after an earlier offer was dismissed, but PSV are holding firm on their valuation of the 24-year-old. While Rangers try to find room for another move, fresh competition has arrived. Burnley and Celta Vigo have stepped into the race, with talks described as being at an early stage.
That could prove a serious problem for Rangers. Driouech is understood to hold a slight preference for Celta Vigo, the pull of La Liga and Spanish football nudging the Spanish club to the front of the queue as they join the battle with the Scottish side and the Championship outfit.
If Rangers are to land their man, they may need to move quickly and decisively. For now, PSV have the leverage, and Driouech has options.
Celtic Work on Hassan Deal as Visa Issues Delay Medical
Across Glasgow, Celtic are closing in on one of their own wide targets. Haissem Hassan has been left out of Real Oviedo’s squad for their pre-season match against Le Havre, with the 24-year-old Egypt winger the subject of a £9m bid from the Scottish champions.
The outlines of the deal are in place. Hassan has an agreement to join Celtic on a contract running until 2030, while Real Oviedo stand to receive £6m up front, with a further £1.3m due if Celtic reach the Champions League proper.
The only thing slowing it down is paperwork. Visa issues are holding up the move and delaying the green light for a medical, but the stance from Spain is clear. Real Oviedo head coach Julian Calero has made it known they will not stand in the way of Hassan’s move to Glasgow.
Celtic, who have been searching for extra firepower in the wide areas, now look poised to get their man once the administrative hurdles are cleared.
Monaco Lead Scramble for Ghedjemis After Celtic and Rangers Rebuffed
On the continent, another winger with Scottish links is at the centre of a tug-of-war. Monaco have made Algeria international Fares Ghedjemis, 23, their top priority for the right flank.
The Ligue 1 side saw an opening bid of £6m plus £1.7m in bonuses rejected by Frosinone, but they are preparing an improved offer as they try to force a breakthrough.
Frosinone know they are holding a coveted asset. They have already turned down bids of £8.6m from both Celtic and Rangers, knocking back parallel moves from Glasgow’s two giants and signalling they want more for one of their key attacking pieces.
Monaco’s determination, and their status in one of Europe’s top leagues, now gives them the edge. With Celtic focusing their resources on Hassan and Rangers wrestling with PSV over Driouech, the French club see a clear path to push ahead for Ghedjemis.
Three wingers, six clubs, one window. The wide areas are where this summer’s battles are being fought, and Glasgow’s fortunes may hinge on who crosses the line first.
