Celtic and Rangers are reportedly looking to battle it out for the signature of Wigan Atheltic ace Nick Powell. Reports from the Scottish Sun indicates that Celtic have made an offer to the Latics and are looking to sign the former Manchester United midfielder on a pre-contract deal. However, Rangers are not sitting behind, and they are planning to match Celtic’s offer.
The Hoops will definitely be miffed if Rangers manage to lure this target away from them. Celtic were also reportedly interested (The Sun) in Jermain Defoe, but Steven Gerrard managed to beat Rodgers to Defoe’s signature. The Northern Irish manager cannot afford to let something like that happen again as Powell can be a game-changing signing for either of the teams.
One would believe Rangers are going to be more desperate to land someone like Powell as Celtic have someone like Tom Rogic who can play in that no. 10 role. When required, Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie can perfectly fit in that attacking midfield role as well. However, we wouldn’t be wrong in saying that Rogic’s form has been indifferent for the most parts this season and Powell would be an upgrade over him.
Powell’s claim to fame happened when he joined English heavyweights Manchester United when he was just 19. However, he struggled to get into their star-studded lineup and was sent on various loan spells. Before joining Wigan permanently, the playmaker had impressed on loan at the DW Stadium and ever since; he has been a crucial player for them.
The 24-year-old is one of the best playmakers in the Championship at the moment even though he has struggled with injuries of late. The midfielder has four goals and five assists in 18 games so far this campaign. Last season, Powell played a crucial role in getting the Latics back to the English second tier by winning the League One title where he managed 15 goals as an attacking midfielder.
Steven Gerrard has recently denied (The Express) Rangers being interested in Powell so Rodgers should be positive about landing this playmaker even though recent reports say that the Gers are set to launch an offer. Powell is already in the final six months of his contract, and there are no signs of him yet committing to a new deal. Therefore Celtic have the advantage of signing him on a pre-contract deal.
However, apart from the Gers, Premier League outfit Brighton and Hove Albion and from Bundesliga RB Leipzig are also said to be interested. Therefore getting the midfielder’s signature isn’t going to be a straightforward task. Nevertheless, the club should go all out to land this talented playmaker.
