Rangers and Celtic have tabled transfer bids for Elsborg star Joseph Okumu, according to Afronbladet.
The Scottish outfits aren’t the only sides interested in the African ace with Lorient, Reims and Gent also keen. The publication is claiming all five interested sides have made a bid for the centre-half.
However, the French duo are thought to be leading the race for the Kenyan after bids of €3m (£2.58m). Meanwhile, the three remaining teams have tabled lower bids and could yet return with a higher offer.
Elfsborg are thought to be holding out for €4m (£3.4m) for the 24-year-old.
Okumu hinted that he wants to leave Sweden in an interview last month. He claimed that the Allsvenskan is a springboard for all players.
When talking about his progress, Okumu said: “The Swedish league is a springboard for all players. If you do it well, hopefully the right opportunity arises. If the right option emerges, I definitely want to take the next step.”
“It depends on the project. It’s not just about going to a top league or a top team. It’s all about where I can go and develop, where my playing style fits and where I can make an impression. I’m not just moving to move. It is important to see the bigger picture. It’s the dream all players have.”
TBR View: Rangers and Celtic need defensive reinforcements
From a Celtic point-of-view, there needs to be wholesale changes next before season.
The defence proved to be a shambles and needs tightening up. Rangers enjoyed victories in each of the three Glasgow derbies, scoring eight goals in four games.
Shane Duffy’s loan transfer from Brighton proved be a flop with the centre-back struggling massively. Meanwhile, Kristoffer Ajer is strongly linked with a move to Newcastle United.
Steven Gerrard’s men had no such srtruggles last term, keeping a mammoth 26 clean sheets across their 38 league games.
However, as Pep Guardiola has shown at Manchester City, you can never stand still.
The Spaniard constantly invests in new fullbacks to freshen things up for the northwest giants.
Investing in another defender will increase the level of competition and quality for the side.
Celtic and Rangers enjoyed differing campaigns last season. However, both needs reinforcements to as the Glasgow giants look set to do battle for the title next term.