Report: Celtic and Rangers to battle for Atletico Madrid forward Rodrigo Riquelme

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Celtic and Rangers are locked in a battle to complete the summer signing of Atletico Madrid wonderkid Rodrigo Riquelme, according to Spanish publication Marca.

The Old Firm giants are both keen on securing his signature, with his contract set to expire during the summer.

A 19-year-old winger, he caught the eye of Rangers last month when he shone during a 4-0 demolition of the Gers in a UEFA Youth League match.

At present Riquelme has a release clause of £26 million and Los Rojiblancos are keen to get him to sign a new deal, allowing them to remove the clause.

Rangers and Celtic are both cited as being interested; although at this stage it is unsure what type of deals both will pursue.

Diego Simeone has called upon the youngster this season. He made a cameo substitute appearance during a 3-2 win over Eibar back in September.

Riquelme has also played in the Copa Del Rey and Supercopa for Atletico, indicating that he is rated highly.

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The Glaswegian giants are constantly locked in a battle at the top of the division and it now looks as though they could go head-to-head for a player.

Celtic look set to claim title number nine in succession this season, leading Rangers by 13 points.

Riquelme has already had the chance to come up against the Gers this season at academy level and he could get the chance to play for the first-team during 2020/21.

If a permanent deal cannot be struck then Rangers and Celtic might opt to tempt Atletico into loaning him out.

It would seem he is some way off regular first-team football at the Wanda Metropolitano and going out to play some matches might be ideal.