Celtic have been joined by Rangers in the race for Elijah Just, according to a report.
The Motherwell star has been a revelation in Scotland this season, establishing himself as one of the most exciting players in the country.
Celtic’s interest in Just has been well-documented in recent weeks, with the New Zealander scoring the opener in an eventual 3-1 defeat for Motherwell at Parkhead on Saturday.
And if the Hoops are to push for his signature in the summer, they’ll reportedly be competing with their Glasgow rivals to do so.
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Celtic joined by Rangers in Elijah Just race
According to the Daily Record, Rangers are now weighing up a summer move for Just.
This places them alongside the Celts in what is a long queue forming for the 25-year-old who has enjoyed a dazzling debut season at Fir Park.
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Just is a left-footed player, playing in a pretty expressive attacking role in Jens Berthel Askou’s system.
The Motherwell boss ensures that his full-backs provide the width and midfielders maintain structure, allowing creative players like Just, Ibrahim Said and Callum Slattery to move around the pitch.
It’s fair to say that this has brought out the best in Just – only league top-scorer Tawanda Maswanhise has more goal involvements than him for the Steelmen this season.
Just has been handed 38 caps by New Zealand since making his international debut as a teenager. Fitness allowing, he will be at the World Cup with the All Whites this summer.
History tells you that it hasn’t been uncommon for Celtic and Rangers to tread on each other’s toes in the transfer market.
Tomas Cvancara is a recent example, with the Ibrox side being named as “strong candidates” to sign the Czech international before he quickly agreed terms with the Hoops.
Famously, Gers fans in the away end at Easter Road sang the name of Scott Brown in 2007, expecting him to move to Ibrox. Six months later, he signed for Celtic, and the rest is history.
You have been given £10m to sign one player for Celtic in the summer transfer window…
Which player are you spending that money on?
Celtic-linked Elijah Just’s agent speaks out
Just’s agent, Gustaf Grauers, told The Celtic Way on Tuesday: “I talk to Eli on a regular basis, in fact I spoke to him today.
“He knows that in this world of football, you get recognised if you do well.
“However, he does not want to have that conversation with me; his entire focus is on Motherwell and the World Cup this summer.
“He trusts that I take care of everything outside the pitch so he can focus on it.
“So right now we don’t talk about any other clubs than Motherwell and he is fully committed and focused on ending the season in the best possible way with his team mates.”
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