While Rangers want Emerson Hyndman back, should Celtic finally get their man?

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Celtic have tried to sign Emerson Hyndman on two occasions and a move to the Scottish Premiership is on the cards as Rangers plot another loan swoop.

Rangers have acted swiftly and decisively in the January transfer window.

They needed a left winger and got one, signing Jamie Murphy from Brighton on an initial loan deal. Rangers also could have done with a prolific and speedy centre-forward, and solved that problem by landing Jason Cummings from Nottingham Forest.

Meanwhile, QPR loanee Sean Goss and Norwich City defender Russell Martin also arrived as low cost additions with minimal risk but the potential for big rewards.

Even the highly impressive signings of Cummings and Murphy, however, would be overshadowed by the return to Ibrox of former fan favourite Emerson Hyndman.

According to the Sun, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is set to let the 21-year-old leave on loan for the rest of the season in order to get some much-needed game-time under his belt. And the possibility of another spell at Ibrox is on the cards with manager Graeme Murty believing that Hyndman could slot straight back into his side – with good reason.

The American playmaker was superb initially when moving to Glasgow a year ago, adding creativity and goals to a rather ponderous and workmanlike midfield.

But intriguingly, the Sun adds that Rangers are not the only side in Glasgow who are firm admirers of one of the biggest talents to emerge out of the US in years.

It is understood that Celtic had looked closely at Hyndman before he left Fulham for Bournemouth in 2016. And the Daily Record reported in April that the Hoops had made an enquiry about signing the youngster for the next season, while he was on loan at their bitter rivals.

And while Hyndman knows Rangers well and would have a good chance of nailing down a place in the starting XI, maybe Celtic would be the better destination. After all, Brendan Rodgers’ ability to turn young players into stars is well documented and it is understood that Celtic are after a play-maker this month.

Hyndman would probably etch his name into Rangers folklore for all the wrong reasons if he donned the green and white of Celtic, but for the sake of his own development a move to Parkhead, rather than Ibrox, could be the right thing to do.