Report: Rangers and Celtic both want 6ft 2in ‘midfield powerhouse’ from top English club

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Steven Gerrard’s Glasgow Rangers and Neil Lennon’s Celtic are both reportedly keen on a 6ft 2in player deemed a “midfield powerhouse” but Ibrox and Parkhead look set for competition.

According to France Football, both Rangers and Celtic are “clearly interested” in Manchester United youngster Aliou Traore, with Portugal’s Benfica also in the running.

Traore, described as a “midfield powerhouse” by the official United website, joined the Red Devils in 2017 from Sarcelles AAS, having previously played for Paris Saint-Germain’s academy.

Although the 19-year-old is yet to feature in the first team, he has thoroughly impressed at Under-18 and Under-23 level over the past few years.

Traore claimed four goals and 10 assists in all competitions for the Under-18s last season, while he has scored four goals in 14 Premier League 2 appearances in the campaign just gone.

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Traore is highly rated at United’s academy and, although his contract doesn’t run out until next year, he could potentially be mulling over his options in terms of his long-term future.

With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer boasting plenty of options in the middle of the park, it remains to see what Traore’s hopes and chances are of breaking into the first team.

And in Glasgow, Celtic have done well in scouting academy prodigies and bringing them over, while Rangers are seemingly looking to go down the same path, as shown by Calvin Bassey’s acquisition.