Former Hearts star has medical 'booked' at Rangers after Celtic interest as Derek McInnes makes transfer move
The former Hearts star had interest from Celtic but is now set to join Rangers.
A former Hearts star is set to join Rangers on loan with an option for permanent transfer, after interest from Celtic, it’s been claimed.
Both sides of the Old Firm are seeking a left-back, with Celtic in need of cover for Kieran Tierney, while the Light Blues have had their hand further forced by a possible eight-week injury to Tuur Rommens. Rangers boss Derek McInnes has now put a call into James Penrice to seal a deal for the star currently in Greece with AEK Athens.
Penrice shone during the 24/25 campaign at Hearts before leaving last summer for a chance abroad. He will be the latest ex-Jambo to rock up at Ibrox after McInnes, striker Lawrence Shankland, and midfielder Cammy Devlin all left Tynecastle for Govan earlier this summer.
What former Hearts player is set to sign for Rangers
Record Sport state: “James Penrice set for Rangers move after Derek McInnes made the call to him. Loan with an option-to-buy from AEK Athens. Medical will be later today. Celtic had showed the most interest but then cooled. Rangers came to the table in last 48 hours.”
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano meanwhile added: “Rangers agree deal to sign James Penrice from AEK Athens on loan with buy option clause. Medical booked on Friday.”
McInnes was asked directly about Penrice after another calamitous night at Ibrox, drawing 1-1 with Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok, exiting the Europa League at the third qualifying round 3-2 on aggregate. Without a win in four competitive games as Rangers manager, McInnes said: “I think until deals are done and over the line, it's tough for me to actually comment on that. You know, we're actively trying to get players in. The club is working so hard. I see it first hand. My office is next door to the recruitment lads and to everybody else and there's constant conversation. So everybody's working extremely hard to get the necessary players, the type of players that we require at the club. We're not just signing any players.
How many players are Rangers expecting to sign?
“We're hopeful we can land a few. I know Andrew (Cavenagh, chairman) said at the shareholders' meeting between three and five. So there's still a lot to do to get that type of number in. I do think quality comes into it but it is also a wherewithal to keep doing what you’re doing and improving. We said at half-time there was no back slapping. We're winning the game here. We've done what was expected of us. No more. We were expected to win the first half. But we still need more to do to win the tie. And, you know, the game was finally poised.
“I think Jagiellonia had enough opportunities and enough confidence about them at times. They look like a team that's been together a bit. And they’ve got a good way of playing. So we knew the game still needed more full attention. But we weren't good enough second half. But the reason I think is a bit of both of what you said. I think there is an element of we need to show more quality. But we also need to stay on top of the job more. And I think it's a concentration thing as much as anything.”