Sources: Rangers could exploit Leeds link to sign Celtic target
Rangers will be able to use their shared ownership with Leeds United to their advantage if they wish to pursue a deal for Celtic target Joel Piroe.
Leeds cruised back to the Premier League as winners of the Championship last season, with Joel Piroe picking up the league’s Golden Boot for his 19 strikes.
The Dutchman was a standout in the second tier but has failed to make the step up to the top-flight so far, with no goal contributions in 10 league appearances this season.
He has not started a Premier League match since late August, with Celtic targeting a January move for Piroe to bolster their attacking options as a result of his struggles.
The Hoops’ interest has been laughed off due to Leeds’ links to Rangers, and as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Piroe could well end up on the blue side of Glasgow this month.
Rangers and Leeds’ 49ers links could dictate Piroe’s next move
Rangers and Leeds are both owned by the 49ers Enterprises, with Paraag Marathe currently the chairman of the Premier League side and vice-chair of the Premiership outfit.
With Piroe not set to join their arch-rivals Celtic, the close relationship between the two sides means he could well be on his way to Ibrox before the end of the winter window if Danny Rohl wants to sign a new striker.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Well, obviously, because of the ownership links there’s always a possibility that something could be agreed between the two clubs.
“If that’s what Rangers were looking to do, if they were looking to bring in Joel Piroe, then obviously the ownership situation would help pave the way for a deal to be done.
“Rangers are in the market for attacking reinforcements before the close of the window.“
Leeds’ Jorgen Strand Larsen pursuit could see Piroe depart
Football Insider revealed earlier this month that Leeds had no plans to let Piroe leave unless they were to sign a new striker.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been in fine form up front for Daniel Farke, but the Whites have been linked with a move for Jorgen Strand Larsen recently, and have now taken steps to land the Wolves striker’s services.
Leeds submitted a £30million bid for Strand Larsen on Friday, and even though it was rejected by the Molineux outfit, they remain in the market to sign him before 2 February.
Reports of the bid have seen Leeds fans back Piroe to go to Wolves if Strand Larsen is signed, but Rangers could well sort out a deal for him to move north of the border for the remainder of the campaign instead.