Sources: Rangers race Celtic to sign David Watson
Kilmarnock starlet David Watson is attracting interest from Celtic and Rangers ahead of the summer as he prepares to leave Rugby Park on a free transfer.
Watson, 21, is on the radar of both Old Firm clubs after impressing for his boyhood club Killie throughout this campaign.
The attacking midfielder has caught the eye with a string of standout performances in recent months, and has registered three goals and one assist in 24 Premiership appearances in 2025-26.
This is his third campaign as a regular for Kilmarnock, having scored five league goals in 36 games in his debut 2023-24 season.
Bolton Wanderers saw a late January bid for Watson’s services rejected by Killie, and as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, both Celtic and Rangers are now eyeing him as he nears the end of his contract this summer.
David Watson could join Celtic or Rangers as Kilmarnock exit looms
Watson recently insisted that he was “not fussed” about the noise around his future as he focuses on helping Kilmarnock stay in the Premiership, but he does look set to leave the club this summer, with both Celtic and Rangers interested.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I think there will be a lot of interest in Watson due to his contract situation.
“He’s out of contract in the summer, so he can be lured away on a free transfer.
“Celtic and Rangers obviously do try and pick up the best young talent in Scotland where they can, and Watson definitely fits the bill in that respect.
“He’s having a very strong season for Kilmarnock.”
Anthony Ralston could leave Celtic if Julian Araujo joins permanently
Celtic are preparing for a huge summer in which a new permanent manager will be taking the reins, with the futures of numerous big-name players up in the air.
Long-serving right-back Ralston is one of those, as he struggles for game-time under Martin O’Neill due to Araujo’s arrival on loan from Bournemouth last month.
The Scotland international has only started 12 Premiership games this season, and sources have told Football Insider that he may look to leave Parkhead this summer if he is not guaranteed more minutes next season.
Celtic are weighing up whether to make a permanent move for Araujo after his strong start to life at the club, and if they do try and sign him, Ralston could well seek a move away.