Andreas Christensen’s comments could be a blow for both Celtic and Rangers

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Andreas Christensen’s comments about Chelsea in an interview with Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet are alarming, and they could have a knock-on effect for both Rangers and Celtic.

Chelsea have been given a transfer ban of two windows after breaching rules concerning former winger Bertrand Traore. They looked to appeal the decision, which they had hoped would see the ban lifted for the summer window.

But they have been told that the ban cannot be appealed. That means that Chelsea cannot sign players in the next two windows. Christensen claimed that Chelsea are refusing to sell any players because of it.

“The messages we have received are that Chelsea cannot appeal the case and therefore want to keep all the players,” Christensen said. “The situation I have ended up in has been very difficult to accept.”

That may prove to be a blow for both Celtic and Rangers, with both sides interested in signing Chelsea centre-back Tomas Kalas. Currently on loan at Bristol City, The Scottish Sun claim both Old Firm sides are keen on Kalas.

Kalas, 25, is valued at £5million by Chelsea and is the club’s longest-serving player – despite managing just four senior appearances for the Blues. He has been loaned out by the Blues seven times.

An 18-time Czech Republic international, Kalas would have been a top signing for either Celtic or Rangers. Both sides could do with a central defender – even after Kalas’ own goal against England last Friday.

Celtic are set to lose Dedryck Boyata and Marvin Compper (contracts) and Filip Benkovic (loan), while Rangers are expected to see Gareth McAuley’s contract also expire. Joe Worrall is likely to return to Nottingham Forest.

Signing Kalas would be ideal for either sides. A powerful central defender with plenty of years left in him, makes a £5million figure somewhat cheap. But Christensen’s comments could come as a blow to both Old Firm sides.