Pundit doubts Celtic will accept bids for key player as club eyes £8m move for Rangers star.

Excitement is building ahead of this weekend’s highly anticipated Glasgow derby, with Celtic aiming to widen the gap between themselves and Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

The Hoops currently enjoy a commanding 16-point lead over their rivals, but before the derby, Rangers must first shift their focus to European competition.

The Light Blues are preparing for a crucial Europa League clash against Fenerbahce, holding a 3-1 advantage on aggregate.

A strong performance in tonight’s home leg could see them progress to the quarter-finals, adding to the stakes before the derby showdown.

With so much on the line for both sides, we’ve rounded up some of the latest news and transfer updates surrounding Celtic and Rangers.

Pundit Questions Whether Celtic Will Accept Offers for Key Player

As is often the case with Celtic, speculation is mounting over the future of some of their top performers as the summer transfer window approaches.

After selling Kyogo Furuhashi for £10 million in January, other standout players are now attracting interest from rival clubs.

Daizen Maeda has been particularly impressive this season, scoring 27 goals and providing nine assists in all competitions.

His outstanding form has drawn attention, and Brendan Rodgers has acknowledged that clubs may come knocking for the Japanese international when the season concludes.

Former striker Ross McCormack shared his thoughts on Maeda’s future during his latest appearance on the Open Goal podcast.

When discussing whether Celtic will receive substantial offers, the panel unanimously agreed that interest in the winger is inevitable.

“There’s got to be. If you’re getting £10m for Kyogo, and everyone seems to be singing off the same hymn sheet right now that Maeda’s a better striker…” McCormack speculated.

He went on to compare the two players, suggesting that while Kyogo’s movement gives him a slight edge, Maeda is an equally valuable asset.

“I think yes, there will be big offers. Will they take it? I’m not sure they can,” he added.

European Club Preparing £8m Bid for Rangers Star

While Celtic are bracing for potential transfer interest in their key players, Rangers are also attracting attention from major European clubs.

One of their recent signings, Hamza Igamane, is already on the radar of several teams, with La Liga outfit Sevilla reportedly preparing a bid for the forward.

According to Vamos Sevilla FC, the Spanish club is set to submit an initial offer of €10 million (£8m) in an attempt to lure Igamane away from Ibrox.

However, the report suggests that Rangers may hold out for a higher fee, given the striker’s strong performances and importance to the squad.

The 21-year-old has been in excellent form this season, netting 13 goals across all competitions.

With his contract running until 2029, Rangers are in a strong position to demand a significant transfer fee should they consider selling him after just one season.

Sevilla aren’t the only club interested in Igamane, as Premier League side Everton and French giants Marseille are also reportedly monitoring his situation.

Both clubs are looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season, and Igamane’s potential makes him an appealing target.

As the summer transfer window approaches, both Celtic and Rangers face key decisions regarding their star players.

However, for now, all focus remains on the upcoming Glasgow derby and Rangers’ European ambitions.