Credit: Imago

Oliver Walton

Sat 18 April 2026 15:26, UK

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Rangers and Celtic must start to accelerate their respective transfer business to stay competitive with Hearts as they close in on signing French midfielder Tom Renaud.

Hearts have taken both Old Firm clubs by surprise this season, and they remain well in with a chance of winning the Premiership as it stands.

Derek McInnes’s side have led the way at the top of the league for the majority of the season, and are showing no signs of slowing down as they begin to plan for a vital summer transfer window.

Hearts are reportedly in advanced talks to sign FC Versailles midfielder Renaud at the end of his contract with the French club.

Rangers’ transfer plans are yet to begin, with Celtic similar, yet both clubs should be looking to sign players nearing the end of their respective deals before the World Cup starts this summer.

Rangers and Celtic should follow Hearts’ lead as Tom Renaud deal accelerates

Hearts have been lauded for their impressive recruitment in recent transfer windows, with the arrival of Brighton owner Tony Bloom making a clear difference to their squad planning.

Several of the players they signed for free last summer have played key roles in their title charge this season, such as Alexander Schwolow, Oisin McEntee and Alexandros Kyziridis.

They are looking to repeat a similar trick this summer, with journalist Santi Aouna recently revealing via X that the Jambos are close to agreeing a deal to sign Renaud at the end of his Versailles contract.

He looks set to be a shrewd addition to their squad, and both Rangers and Celtic should be taking note and trying to broker similar deals before the season ends.

There are plenty of players across Europe who are coming to the end of their respective contracts, yet neither side look likely to complete such a move anytime soon.

It would surely be wise for either Rangers or Celtic to get a move over the line for an out-of-contract player before the World Cup starts too, as the tournament can often delay all transfers.

David Watson battle could heat up as summer window edges closer

Watson has been attracting the attention of both Rangers and Celtic as he impresses at Kilmarnock this season.

The 21-year-old midfielder has scored three league goals and been a regular starter in the Premiership for Killie this season, but looks set to leave Rugby Park when his contract expires in May.

Sources have told Football Insider that Rangers are leading Celtic in the race for Watson‘s signature, as they are currently more likely to be playing Champions League football next season.

Both sides look set to make a move for his services ahead of the summer, but each need to act fast, after recent reports out of Italy claimed that Serie A side Bologna are also keeping tabs on his progress.