Rangers are said to have opened transfer discussions with a priority target, while Celtic remain poised in the background for a possible late hijack.
Danny Rohl’s men climbed to second in the Premiership and moved above the reigning champions following a 2-0 midweek victory over Aberdeen. With momentum building since his arrival at Ibrox, Rangers are keen to support their head coach with reinforcements in the transfer market.
Meanwhile, Celtic are preparing for the remainder of the campaign under Martin O’Neill, after Wilfried Nancy was dismissed just a month into his spell in Glasgow.
According to Bold, Danish youth international Silas Andersen has emerged as a leading target for Rangers. The midfielder has made 45 appearances for Swedish side Hacken and previously came through the Inter Milan academy system.
Premier League clubs have shown interest in the past, but it is the Light Blues who are now pushing forward with talks. However, Celtic are reportedly among several clubs keeping a close eye on developments. Andersen remains under contract until 2028.
Silas Andersen transfer interest from Rangers and Celtic assessed:
It’s claimed: “Silas Andersen was a sought-after man in the summer transfer window. Nottingham Forest had him on the block, while FC Copenhagen went so far as to bid for the Dane. However, he ended up staying with Swedish side BK Hacken. After a great autumn, where Silas Andersen played in the Conference League with Hacken, interest has not diminished.
“According to Bold’s information, Rangers FC has identified the 21-year-old Danish midfielder as a top target in this winter’s transfer window. The Scottish giants have made inquiries and are in dialogue with the Hacken profile, but Rangers are not the only club that has Silas Andersen high on their wish list.
“As Bold understands it, the hometown boys from Celtic are among the other clubs lurking in the wings. Regardless of where Silas Andersen ends up, he is unlikely to be a cheap man.”
What is Hacken’s stance on selling Silas Andersen?
Hacken football director Martin Ericsson spoke in November regarding summer interest in the midfielder, saying: “Everything has to fit together. He is a very important and high-profile player for us, so of course something special is needed. Exactly what that means is hard to say right now.
“We did (reject bids). Some of them were quite big. But at that time a sale was not at all an option. It’s quite natural. He’s a young player who has done really well, and there’s a lot of interest around him. It would almost be strange if he said anything else.
“That said, I think he’s doing really well here. He’s fully present both mentally and physically and gives his all in both training and matches. As long as that’s the case, I’m not worried. We’ll see what happens in the winter. Our ambition is of course to keep Silas for as long as possible. But we have to see what any offers and interests entail – which clubs it concerns, and how we and he ourselves approach it .”