Rangers transfer target named Scottish Premiership player of the month

December goals and standout performances earn league recognition for transfer target.
Motherwell v St Mirren - William Hill Premiership
Motherwell v St Mirren - William Hill Premiership | Sammy Turner - SNS Group/GettyImages

Rangers reported January transfer target Elliot Watt has been named Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for December after a standout run of performances for Motherwell.

The 25-year-old midfielder scored three goals in five appearances during the festive period, including a crucial strike in Motherwell’s 2-0 victory over Celtic.

Further goals against Livingston and St Mirren capped off an impressive month for the Steelmen, who also saw his current manager Jens Berthel Askou named Manager of the Month ahead of Danny Rohl.

Motherwell currently sit fourth in the Premiership table, four points behind Celtic and seven behind Rangers, and Watt’s form has been central to their strong campaign. His influence in midfield, combined with his recent goal threat, has not gone unnoticed at Ibrox.

Reports suggest Watt, a Rangers supporter, has been placed on the club's January shortlist as Rohl looks to strengthen his squad for the second half of the season.

Former Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson has also endorsed the move, claiming Watt “could do a job” for the club amid growing speculation over his future.

Watt’s journey to the top of Scottish football has been anything but conventional. Born in England, he developed through youth systems at Liverpool, Blackburn, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Preston North End before breaking through at Bradford City.

Spells with Burton Albion and Salford City followed, before a loan move to St Johnstone last season helped reintroduce him to the Scottish game.

It was that spell which convinced Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou to snap Watt up on a free transfer, and he has since flourished at Fir Park. With Lennon Miller departing the club, Watt has stepped up as the Steelmen’s midfield leader, earning praise as one of the league’s most consistent performers.

Although his early-season statistics were modest, Watt’s overall impact has been significant. His ball-carrying ability ranks among the best in the Premiership, particularly for progressive runs into the final third. He is also highly rated for his forward passing, an unusual but valuable trait for a defensive-minded midfielder.

His aerial dual success is another area where he stands out – something Rangers have often lacked in a midfield that has struggled for physicality this season.

December’s Player of the Month award reflects how Watt has added goals to his game, elevating his importance to Motherwell’s push for European qualification. His strike against Celtic, in particular, showcased his composure and big-game temperament.

Contracted at Fir Park until the summer of 2027, with the club holding an option to extend, any January move would require Rangers to pay a significant fee – potentially reaching seven figures.

Having already added Danish midfielder Tochi Chukwuani to his midfield ranks this window – Rohl is believed to have turned his attentions to other positions but remains open to further additions throughout the squad.

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