Sources: Celtic leapfrog Rangers in race to sign Fabio Silva in January amid permanent deal reveal
Celtic are leading the race with Rangers to sign Wolves striker Fabio Silva in an expected loan-to-buy deal, sources have told Football Insider.
As revealed by Football Insider (27 December), the Gers have registered their interest in the 21-year-old ahead of a potential January move.
However, sources have told Football Insider that the Hoops are now in pole position after doing extensive scouting of the out-of-favour forward.
It is believed that neither side have the finances to pull off a permanent move for Silva this January but a loan deal would be on the cards if he were to leave Molineux.
However, the Hoops may sign him permanently at the end of the season depending on how successful his loan spell proves to be.
The final decision on Silva's departure will come down to Wolves who would be unlikely to sanction a move unless they can find a replacement.
He was Wolves' record transfer signing when he moved from Portuguese giants Porto for £35million in 2020 but he has serially underperformed.
Silva has managed just five goals and six assists across 72 appearances in all competitions for Gary O'Neil's side and has not featured in the Premier League in the last eight games.
Football Insider also revealed (28 December) that Celtic have a three-man January target list and have prioritised bringing a striker to Parkhead.
Sources also told Football Insider earlier this month (15 December) that Philippe Clement's side are eyeing a new striker this winter and that the board will be financially backing the new manager.
Rangers' clash against Ross County was abandoned on Wednesday (27 December) due to adverse weather conditions while Celtic secured a 3-0 away win against Dundee on Boxing Day.
The Old Firm rivals face each other at Parkhead on Saturday (30 December).