Report: Celtic and Rangers want Troyes defender Kiki Kouyate

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France Football have claimed that Celtic and Rangers are battling it out with a number of European sides to sign goalscoring centre-back Kiki Kouyate from second-tier French side Troyes this summer.

Kouyate, 23, has been in sensational form since swapping Sporting Lisbon for Troyes. Failing to make a single senior appearance for the Portuguese giants, he has since tried his luck for Ligue 2 side Troyes – and it has paid dividends.

A fully-fledged Mali international, Kouyate has jumped onto the shortlists of numerous European sides after netting seven goals in 31 games since he joined in January 2019. This season, he has scored six goals in 19 appearances.

The report states that Celtic and Rangers are keen, with the 6ft 4in defender valued at £4million. It also states RC Lens, Schalke and Frankfurt are interested – while Greek outlet Sporttime claimed in April that Olympiacos and Nottingham Forest are keen.

TBR’s view – So, Celtic or Rangers?

Both Celtic and Rangers have solved their issues of the past at centre-back and both Scottish sides boast decent options at the heart of their defence. Celtic’s are certainly better, but it might be Neil Lennon’s side that need Kouyate more.

Kris Ajer’s agent dropped a bombshell earlier this year when he stated the Norwegian would leave in the summer, while Jozo Simunovic has been released by the Hoops. Cover is needed at Parkhead, and Kouyate would be a top addition.