‘There was contact’: Player says he snubbed Rangers as soon as Celtic came calling

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Luis Palma has said that he had the chance to move to Michael Beale’s Rangers before Brendan Rodgers’s Celtic came calling.

Celtic signed Luis Palma in the summer transfer window ahead of Old Firm rivals Rangers.

The 23-year-old winger joined the Hoops from Aris.

Greek newspaper Sportime reported that Rangers were scouting Palma in action for Aris against Olympiacos in April.

Athlos News claimed in May that Rangers had failed with a £2.5 million bid to sign the winger.

According to Sky Sports, Celtic, who won the Scottish Premiership title last season and will play in the UEFA Champions League this campaign, paid £3.5 million in transfer fees for the Honduras international winger.

The Bhoys signed Palma as a replacement for Jota, who moved to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad.

Palma has said that Rangers wanted to sign him before he completed the move to Celtic.

The 23-year-old has claimed that there was contact from the Gers, but as soon as he heard that the Hoops wanted to sign him, his mind was made up.

Luis Palma on joining Celtic ahead of Rangers

Palma is also looking forward to playing for Celtic against Rangers in the Old Firm derby this weekend.

Rangers will take on Celtic at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

HeraldScotland quotes Palma as saying: “My agent told me there was contact with Rangers but when I knew of Celtic’s interest, I was only decided on one team and I wanted to come here.  

“It [the derby] is important for me. Like all derbies, you have got to win, that’s the most important thing.”