Rangers and Celtic are both keeping an eye on £5.5 million dubbed ‘new Moises Caicedo’, according to journalist.

According to Graeme Bailey, Rangers and Celtic are interested in Ecuadorian midfielder Oscar Zambrano but are unlikely to sign him this January.

Both Old Firm sides have kept an eye on the 19-year-old midfielder, according to the journalist, who reported via HITC on Friday (5 January), but Bournemouth have now moved into pole position to secure his services in the January transfer window.

Andoni Iralo’s side are in advanced talks with the Ecuadorian gem, who HITC wrote has previously been dubbed the “new Moises Caicedo,” with Wolves and Brighton both interested, while his performances have piqued the interest of the Gers and Celtic.

Zambrano is expected to cost the Cherries around £5.5 million in January, after Luton Town’s bid of around £3 million was recently rejected by LDU Quito.

Unfortunate to miss out

Rangers do require midfield reinforcements in January, as Philippe Clement has relied on the form and fitness of John Lundstram and Dujon Sterling in recent weeks, while Ryan Jack and Nicolas Raskin have been sidelined with injuries.

Zambrano, on the other hand, would have been a bit of a gamble for the Light Blues because he has never played outside of South America in his career. He may be highly regarded, but that does not always translate into first-team talent.

Clement needs players who will arrive in Glasgow and hit the ground running if he is to win the Scottish Premiership this season. While Zambrano is said to be talented, he may not have been a signing that would have an immediate impact.

Rangers will have to pick themselves up quickly after appearing to miss out on the 19-year-old this January. The Gers still require a number of additions before the end of the month, and they must act quickly to avoid missing out on any more targets.

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