Rangers and Celtic set for battle over top-flight star after bid made - report

Rangers have joined the likes of Celtic, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Newcastle and Bournemouth in the hunt for the signature of sought-after defender Jack Hendry, according to a report.

The Scottish Sun

believes that the Gers will send representatives to Dens Park for Wednesday night's match against Hibernian as the competition for the 22-year-old hots up. The Hoops were thought to be leading the hunt for the Dundee enforcer, after been long-time admirers, but had been reluctant to pay the

£1.5million fee placed on the player's head

. It is reported that they had a £500,000 bid rejected earlier in January. And Rodgers could be set to lose out in the transfer market if the Light Blues get one over their Glaswegian rivals. Hendry joined Dundee from Wigan Athletic and has impressed across the 22 outings he has made for the Dark Blues.

Football Insider verdict:

Graeme Murty has been busy in the transfer market and has not been shy to fork out when necessary and Hendry could certainly provide further strength to a defence that has already had Russell Martin added to it. Should Rangers tread on the toes of their city rivals and swoop Hendry from the clutches of Celtic it would send out a message to the rest of the Scottish Premier League that Rangers mean business and their intentions to aim for top-flight glory in preparation for next season. 

In other Rangers transfer news,

Gers receive hammer blow with the news that striker wants exit.