Rangers and Celtic in transfer tussle for Liverpool’s Leighton Clarkson
Old Firm rivals Rangers and Celtic are poised to battle it out with Aberdeen for the permanent signing of Liverpool’s Leighton Clarkson, according to a trusted source.
The 21-year-old midfield maestro is currently on a season-long loan with Aberdeen and has been in sensational form, helping the Dons push for a third-place finish in the Scottish Premiership.
Leighton Clarkson has netted five goals and provided eight assists in 33 appearances across all competitions so far this campaign.
His dazzling displays have caught the eye of Rangers and Celtic, especially when he came up against the Glasgow giants this term.
The former England Under-20 international is integral to Aberdeen’s success this season and they are desperate to secure his services on a long-term basis once his loan expires.
However, Rangers manager Michael Beale is an admirer of Clarkson, having previously worked with him at Liverpool’s youth academy.
Meanwhile, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has been monitoring the youngster’s situation at Anfield as he looks to strengthen his midfield options for next season.
Clarkson, who joined Liverpool’s youth set-up at the tender age of six, sees his contract at the Premier League club run out in June 2024.
Although he has previously expressed his desire to break into Liverpool’s first team, the lucrative opportunity to feature in the Champions League regularly with either Rangers or Celtic could prove tempting.
Rangers and Celtic Compete for Leighton Clarkson
The Lancashire-born talent, who can operate as a number ten, in holding midfield or in various other central roles, made three senior appearances for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 campaigns, including a start against FC Midtjylland in the Champions League.
Clarkson was loaned to Championship side Blackburn Rovers last term but was recalled in January 2022 after just seven outings.
With his future at Anfield uncertain, Clarkson has a big decision on his hands this summer over where his next move in football will take him.
Rangers and Celtic seem poised to go head-to-head in a battle for his signature.
More from Rangers Transfer Rumors