Pierre Ekwah: Update on Rangers and Celtic moves to agree free transfer
Pierre Ekwah is in a difficult position at Saint Etienne with efforts being made to terminate his contract and allow him to leave for free.
The French outfit activated his £5.2million release clause to sign him permanently from Sunderland following a loan spell last season which ended in their relegation.
However, Ekwah has refused to play in Ligue 2 and his lawyers are insisting his contract was terminated before the transfer deadline of 1 September.
Efforts are now being made to offer him to clubs across Europe, with Rangers and Celtic both linked alongside a number of English sides.
Despite the work behind the scenes, confusion remains about the outcome of the situation as things stand, with no official confirmation of his availability by Saint Etienne.
Rangers and Celtic unlikely to pursue Pierre Ekwah deal
As a result of the complications surrounding his situation at the French club, the midfielder is struggling to find suitors willing to take the gamble on him.
Rangers have been urged not to pursue Ekwah, while Celtic are also having doubts about the deal despite reports claiming they have been offered the chance to sign him.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, it would be a surprise to see either club make a firm move for the midfielder as a result of their concerns about his contract situation and ongoing standoff with Saint Etienne.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “I would be surprised. Obviously you’ve got those added complications of him trying to sort out his contract situation at Saint Etienne.
“There’s a bit of a standoff going on between Ekwah and obviously the club as well over that one.
“So I think it’s one that both clubs will be monitoring, maybe moving for the former Sunderland man because of that.
“The player has not taken part in much of Saint Etienne’s pre-season or played any games as well. He’d be lacking fitness. He’d probably be waiting for a while before he could be match ready for either Celtic or Rangers as well.
“So that’s why I think it’d be a deal that maybe both clubs will be wary of stepping in for Ekwah. I don’t think Celtic or Rangers will be pushing to do that.
“I do think both clubs are probably well stocked in midfield as well. They don’t need to bring in a midfielder as a free agent in the current circumstances. I think both clubs have got enough cover.”
Despite Rangers having been long-term admirers of Ekwah, it is now considered unlikely that they will make a move for him at this stage.
Rangers and Celtic consider midfield reinforcements
Rangers had considered a number of free agents following the close of the transfer window, with midfield concerns topping their list of problem positions.
Football Insider revealed on 14 September that Rangers could consider a move for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after he left Beskitas on a free transfer.
However, following Nicolas Raskin’s return to the starting XI, they feel they are well-stocked in midfield and have no desire to gamble on a free agent now.
Celtic, meanwhile, have considered options to provide backup to Callum McGregor in the middle of the park but are content with their squad until the January window.
Brendan Rodgers had been frustrated with Celtic’s summer transfers and the timing of them, making a move after the window closed unlikely at this stage.
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