Report: Rangers and Celtic eyeing 6ft 4in international centre-back, £4.5m price tag

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Glasgow rivals Rangers and Celtic are both reportedly interested in Kiki Kouyate, according to France Football, but both Ibrox and Parkhead may have to deal with serious competition.

The Troyes centre-back was impressive during the 2019-20 season as his side narrowly missed out on a return to Ligue 1 due to the curtailed French season in wake of current events.

Kouyate made 18 appearances for Troyes in Ligue 2, scoring five goals as they finished just three points behind champions Lorient.

The Mali international, 23, has netted six goals in all competitions for Troyes, making him their top scorer this season.

According to France Football, Kouyate is wanted by Lens – who will be in Ligue 1 next season after finishing second – but their offer is short of his valuation.

The outlet adds that Rangers are interested in the defender, but Celtic are pushing hardest for his signature amid additional interest from Bundesliga sides Schalke and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Kouyate is under contract until 2022 and Troyes are reportedly hoping that competition for his services can help push the transfer fee to around €5million (£4.5million).

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Kouyate has enjoyed a fruitful season for Troyes, coming so close to promotion before the global health crisis curtailed the season, and for a defender to finish as his side’s top scorer is pretty impressive.

At 6ft 3in and 23 years of age, he has the height and physical presence to be an asset at the back and the front, whilst also having considerable resale value further down the line – so he looks like he’d be a decent acquisition for Rangers and Celtic alike.