Rangers have opened talks with Celtic target Tawanda Maswanhise, according to a report.
Maswanhise became an active option for Celtic when Martin O’Neill and Mark Fotheringham were spotted at Fir Park for Motherwell’s cup tie against Ross County.
Given that Celtic face neither side in the foreseeable future, it was quickly deciphered that they were scouting the 23-year-old, given the club’s failed pursuit of right-winger Jocelin Ta Bi.
AFCON aside, the Zimbabwe international has been a mainstay for the Steelmen this season, playing mostly as a right-sided attacker.
But it seems that the Hoops aren’t his only admirers.
Is Tawanda Maswanhise Celtic quality?
Rangers join Celtic in the race for Tawanda Maswanhise
According to TEAMtalk, Rangers have opened ‘preliminary talks’ with Maswanhise, reaching out to his representatives.
The report also says that Motherwell are ‘adamant’ about keeping hold of their key players, having had an exceptional season so far under Jens Askou.
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But with interest from Glasgow and elsewhere, their resolve could be tested between now and the end of the window.
In 19 appearances, Maswanhise already has ten Scottish Premiership goals this season.
He also has two assists, and scored a fabulous goal for Zimbabwe in an AFCON group stage clash with South Africa last month.
A product of the youth academy at Leicester City, he made his debut under Brendan Rodgers before being picked up by Motherwell 14 months ago.
It wasn’t until this season that he established himself as a key player at Fir Park. Alongside the likes of Elliott Watt and Ibrahim Said, he has starred in a side labelled by many as the best footballing team in the league.
Motherwell currently sit fourth in the Scottish Premiership, seven points behind Celtic and Rangers.
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Motherwell boss Jens Askou on Celtic target Tawanda Maswanhise
Asked about the Maswanhise talk, Askou sent a firm message which indicated that he won’t be going anywhere.
He said: “Am I calm about it? Yeah. There was also interest in our players in the last window.
“That interest has been growing and will hopefully grow until we find the right moment with the player to move them on.
“That moment is not now. We’re halfway through a fantastic season so far, but there’s still room for improvement and that’s what we’re going to chase.
“We can’t keep Tawanda forever, and we shouldn’t keep him forever. But there’s no plan for any of our players to be moving on now, and there has been no-one coming with a big wish on that.
“On the contrary, everyone is really committed and excited about what we’re doing, and that’s the track we’re taking.”
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