Newcastle loanee keen on Rangers but could Celtic get involved?

Haris Vuckic may have signalled his intentions to depart Newcastle United this summer with Glasgow Rangers one potential destination but would Celtic be wise to hijack any potential deal for the midfielder?

One of the infamous “Ibrox Five” loaned to the Gers from the Toon by club owner Mike Ashley, the 22-year-old has been the only one of the quintet to make any kind of impact at the club.

In 13 appearances for Rangers so far this term, the Slovenian has scored six goals and was instrumental in the Glasgow club’s commendable 2-1 victory over Scottish Championship leaders Hearts.

Previously impressive during a season-long loan stint at Rotherham, Vuckic was always the most likely of the fivesome to thrive at Ibrox but few could have predicted the impact he would have when first joining the Gers.

And with Vuckic’s stock arguably at its highest in some time, the midfielder has moved to comment on his future which appears to be away from St James’ Park.

“I know I won’t be at Newcastle next season,” he told reporters in quotes published by The Chronicle.

“I am not sad, because I am focused on getting Rangers back into the top league.”

Vuckic appears open to the idea of signing for the Scottish giants on a permanent basis however.

“If we achieve that then I hope I’m around next season for the new challenge,” he said.

“It is up to Rangers but I am ready to sign up.”

Having already set his sights on scoring for Rangers against Celtic in the Old Firm Derby, it would be surprising to see Vuckic sign for the Gers’ bitter rivals, yet stranger things have happened in football.

With Rangers requiring victory in the playoffs to return to the top-flight the job of getting the Glasgow club back to the top table of Scottish football appears only half done.

Fail to gain promotion and suddenly any offer from Celtic could prove tempting to say the league.

More notably still, even if Rangers were to go up, the opportunity to play regularly for a settled Celtic side playing regularly in European competition could be too enticing to resist.

The Bhoys certainly appear to be in the market for a midfielder fitting Vuckic’s description with midfield stalwarts like Kris Commons and Scott Brown both ageing and consistently linked with moves away.

Loan signings like Wakaso Mubarak and Aleksandar Tonev have also failed to deliver consistently and with the Newcastle youngster available for nothing and boasting plenty of sell-on value, don’t be surprised to see Celtic rivalling Rangers for the midfielder.

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