Scottish Premiership duo Rangers and Celtic were reportedly keen to sign Portsmouth’s League One table-topper Jack Whatmough.
Celtic and Rangers will both have to look elsewhere in pursuit of a new centre-back.
According to The Sun, the Old Firm duo were taking an interest in the Portsmouth defender Jack Whatmough with the 22-year-old set to become a free-agent at the end of the campaign.
The Pompey academy graduate, who has represented England at youth level, has been in fine form this season, helping Kenny Jackett’s side to the top of the League One table.
But, in a potential blow to Celtic and Rangers’ plans, Whatmough has put an end to speculation on Wednesday by signing a new long-term contract until the summer of 2021.
This means the talented young defender is likely to be playing his football at Fratton Park for the foreseeable future with a long-awaited return to the Championship seemingly on the horizon.
Celtic and Rangers have both made a number of high-profile signings in a busy transfer window but neither club has snapped up a new centre-back as of yet.
As it stands, the Glasgow giants are level on 42 points at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, though Celtic have a game in hand.
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