Celtic and Rangers handed boost as Chelsea player reportedly wants to leave

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic and Rangers will renew their fiercely competitive rivalry on Sunday when they face each other at Ibrox. The Hoops have already secured the title, whilst the Gers have finished second. 

Bragging rights will still be a stake for the two sides though and it looks set to be another cracking fixture.

The two clubs might be set to do battle in the summer too. The Scottish Sun has previously reported that the duo are interested in signing Chelsea central defender Tomas Kalas, who is rated at £5 million.

Football London has reported news that offers both clubs a boost in their quest to land the Czech Republic international. The report suggests that the 25-year-old is desperate to secure a permanent switch away from Stamford Bridge.

The no-nonsense central defender has spent the season on loan at Bristol City; Kalas’ sixth loan spell since arriving at Chelsea in 2010.

After 35 appearances in the Championship for Lee Johnson’s team, he has now decided the time is right to leave the Blues.

TBR Verdict

Both clubs need to secure a central defender during the window.

Rangers will see Joe Worrall return to Nottingham Forest, whilst Gareth McAuley will probably retire. Celtic are desperate for a partner for Kristoffer Ajer; with Dedryck Boyata likely to leave and Filip Benkovic set to return to Leicester.

Finances might prove decisive. If Celtic qualify for the group stages of the Champions League, they might be better placed for a deal.

The valuation of £5 million isn’t completely out of the realms of reality for Rangers; although it would seriously deplete their budget for the campaign.

Whoever does get Kalas will get themselves a fantastic defender. He has shown time after time in the second tier that he is more than capable, whilst he would be a coup for the Scottish Premiership.

It remains to be seen if he does end up bolstering one of the Old Firm squads or not.