Rangers’ Pedro Caixinha and Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers could do battle for the Portuguese star – according to the bookies. But could he really end up at either Ibrox or Parkhead?
Portugal winger Nani
Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers are in contention to sign Valencia winger Nani this summer.
The pair are currently listed at 6/1 on Bet Victor‘s list of likely destinations for the 30-year-old star, behind only Monaco [4/1].
So could either club get him to Glasgow? Let’s see…
Why would they want him?
Celtic:
Former Celtic loanee Patrick Roberts
The Bhoys are said to be pursuing a permanent deal for Patrick Roberts, after the productive loan spell from Manchester City, although it’s plausible that Nani – a Champions League and European Championship winner – could feature on the Bhoys’ list of fallbacks should that deal fail to go ahead.
Rangers:
New Rangers signing Bruno Alves
The Ibrox side are currently undergoing a squad overhaul under new boss Pedro Caixinha, who was Sporting’s assistant manager when Nani was making his name at the Lisbon club. And Rangers could have another advantage over Celtic, having recently captured the player’s long-time Portugal teammate Bruno Alves on a two-year deal, as well as compatriots Dalcio and Fabio Cardoso.
What problems could they face?
Wages would almost certainly be a stumbling block for both Rangers and Celtic, with the former Mannchester United and Fenerbahce player used to receiving hefty pay packets at each of his old clubs. However, the Bhoys could have the upper hand in that department, thanks to their participation in the 2016-17 Champions League.
Whether or not Nani would be available also remains to be seen, given he played 25 times for Valencia this past La Liga campaign, scoring five goals and creating another eight.
Valencia winger Nani [front, left]
Which other clubs are in the running?
As mentioned above, Monaco are the current front-runners, and their appeal requires little explanation. 13 miles down the French Riviera, Nice are also listed at 6/1, with Marseille at 8s.
Could Nani turn out for one of Celtic or Rangers next season?
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