(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Wed 4 March 2026 8:30, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Rangers and Celtic are currently in an “open race” to sign Kilmarnock midfielder David Watson this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The pair of Old Firm rivals are neck and neck at the moment, while interest from England is also expected in the 21-year-old, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.

Sources have indicated that Watson would love the opportunity to play in the Champions League as part of his next move, and that could end up being the difference between Rangers and Celtic in the race for his signature.

Rangers and Celtic are fighting for the transfer, while also battling for the Scottish Premiership title alongside Hearts, knowing that only two of the three clubs will get the chance to enter Europe’s premier club competition next term.

Old Firm duo must also contend with Italian interest

Watson’s promising performances for Kilmarnock this season certainly haven’t gone unnoticed, and as a result, he looks set to have plenty of options open for him when he leaves the strugglers this summer.

Rangers and Celtic are both prepared to try and launch a move for him to join one of the top clubs in Scottish football, but there is also interest from England and beyond.

Football Insider revealed last week that there are even clubs in Italy who have been impressed by what they have seen from Watson, and are keen to explore a deal for him ahead of next season.

The likes of Lewis Ferguson and, most recently, Kieron Bowie have swapped the Scottish Premiership for Serie A and enjoyed great success in recent years, and Watson could yet get the chance to follow in their footsteps.

The youngster has no shortage of options available when it comes to choosing the next step of his footballing journey, and both Rangers and Celtic will be hoping to steal a march on their rival in the race for a deal.

Celtic plan to accept Daizen Maeda offer

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that Celtic are ready to sell Daizen Maeda this summer, as the Japan international enters the final year of his contract at Parkhead.

The 28-year-old has frustrated Bhoys fans with his performances so far this term, as he has struggled to live up to the lofty standards that he has set for himself at times.

The club hierarchy at Celtic Park believe that there is now “no chance” that the forward will pen a new deal to extend his stay at the club, and they have decided that they will cash in on him as a result.

Celtic are expecting to oversee a significant turnover in their squad next season alongside the appointment of a new manager, and they are planning to accept an offer for Maeda as part of that reset.