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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Fri 1 May 2026 16:45, UK

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Tawanda Maswanhise could find himself in the middle of a transfer battle between Celtic and Rangers this summer as both Old Firm clubs eye a move for his services.

The 23-year-old striker has been key to Motherwell’s rise under Jens Berthel Askou this season, and currently leads the Scottish Premiership scoring charts with four games to play.

His outstanding form has seen both Glasgow giants inevitably linked with a move in the summer, with bids expected in the coming months.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Motherwell are prepared to field offers from both clubs, but they could face competition for his services from various English Championship sides.

Celtic’s transfer plans are set to revolve around bolstering their forward line, regardless of who is appointed as their next manager this summer.

Celtic and Rangers could start bidding war for Tawanda Maswanhise

It looked like Maswanhise was set to fire Motherwell to a title challenge midway through this season, but the club’s poor recent form has seen them stay in fourth place rather than pushing the top three.

The Zimbabwe international recently admitted that he wants to play European football next season, and his next move could come down to which Old Firm club is willing to pay more this summer.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “If a player outside the Old Firm does well in Scotland, you normally have Celtic and Rangers trying to sign them.

“He’s been a revelation for Motherwell this season, is the top goalscorer in the Scottish Premiership, and has been nominated for the Player of the Year award as well.

“I’m sure Motherwell are bracing themselves for interest in the Zimbabwe international. It’s no surprise that Celtic and Rangers have both been linked because of what he’s done in the Scottish Premiership so far this season.

“I think there’ll also be a lot of interest from England in the forward. There’ll be a host of Championship clubs who’ll be ready to take a punt on Maswanhise and see if he could reproduce that form down in England.”

Kelechi Iheanacho contract talks put on hold as Celtic chase title glory

Celtic’s forward options have not been good enough throughout the majority of this season to oust Hearts from the top of the Premiership.

Iheanacho has struggled for form and fitness after being signed on a free transfer last September, but recently netted a brace against St Mirren and looks set to play a key role over the next few weeks.

Sources have told Football Insider that Celtic are putting off contract talks with Iheanacho until the end of the season.

He is effectively playing for his future with the Parkhead club, with Martin O’Neill’s successor set to ultimately decide whether it is worth handing him another deal.