Christian Eriksen sees Rangers as a transfer 'draw' with 49ers ready to fulfil recruitment pledge
Rangers would be a "draw" for Christian Eriksen this summer as he the free agent weighs up his next move.
The former Manchester United playmaker is on the lookout for a new club after leaving Old Trafford at the end of last season.
Murmurs have lingered throughout the summer that the new owners at Ibrox, 49ers Enterprises, could make a move for the experienced Dane.
However, cash-rich English Championship side Wrexham have reportedly made their move to make the 33-year-old the latest big name added by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
But former Red Dragon's striker Matt Jensen has told Eriksen that a move to the Scottish Premiership would be the better move - if Russell Martin 's men can navigate the Champions League qualifiers.
He told OLBG: " Rangers are a huge club and they've got Champions League football. So that's probably a bigger draw.
"I think it would take an awful lot of money for Wrexham to sign Eriksen. I know they have a lot of money, but do they have that much?
"If he wants English football he should go to Wrexham but it depends on personal circumstances and whether he's happy to move. If he is, I would say Rangers were a stronger option.
"Even with Eriksen, I've got Wrexham down to struggle next season. There is a lot of quality in the Championship and it's a massive step up.
"Every league is a step up, but League One to Championship in particular is a very big step.
"It's always difficult when a player is reaching those golden age years and coming towards the end of his career.
"Then you have the expectation levels, because he'll be nowhere near as good as he once was in his prime. Again if Wrexham are going to struggle next season, is that going to suit the type of player that Eriksen is?"
A blockbuster deal could fulfil one of the US owners early promises to the shareholders - with a "surprise" said to be on the cards.
Speaking at Rangers EGM, Paraag Marathe of 49ers Enterprises - who now own the Glasgow giants alongside pharmaceutical tycoon Andrew Cavenagh - promised shareholders that there would be names emerging that would raise the eyebrows of fans.
He said: "If we share who we're targeting that players becomes more expensive. It's best for you all if we surprise you with the players we bring in!"
Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.
You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
7 minutes ago
- Daily Record
I've a major Rangers takeaway after remarkable tale and Celtic face competition kryptonite
Former Ibrox chairman Paul Murray sat down with the Hotline Live team in a blockbuster exclusive after playing a key role in the US takeover Above all else there was one major take away from Paul Murray 's guest appearance on Hotline Live the other day. And the tens of thousands of you who have watched the special edition of our online show already may have reached the same conclusion. This is a man, let's not forget, who has spent most of the last 15 years running around in various states of emotional exhaustion given the extent of his concerns for Rangers Football Club. And, over that time, each and every one of them were proved to be more than valid. Yet there he was on Friday afternoon, in a Daily Record studio, telling his remarkable story apparently without a care in the world. And that's the take away right there. If Paul Murray has entered a zen like state then it stands to reason that things as we know them are about to change. For the first time since late 2010, when Craig Whyte slithered into view, Murray now feels able to sit back, put his feet up and enjoy the show. Having played a key role in facilitating Andrew Cavenagh and his consortium to successfully conclude their takeover, it is Murray's firmly held belief that Rangers are finally out of the red zone and that his own work here is done. All of which should come as great comfort to his fellow supporters who have also been forced to fret over the wellbeing of their club for so long. But this sudden change in the mood music around Ibrox should also send out a signal to the side from across town which has proven itself to be so adept at staying ahead of the curve and making hay while the sun has been shining. So successful have Celtic become throughout this period of unprecedented domestic dominance that it's actually difficult even just to imagine any genuine threat being offered up to their supremacy. Thirteen titles out of the last 14 is testament to the scale of this monopoly and there are some from the east end of Glasgow who will be rolling their eyes at the very suggestion that Cavenagh's Rangers ought to be treated with renewed levels of respect. They've heard it all so many times before that they've become utterly bored by it. Many of them no longer even regard Rangers as a serious, worthy rival. On the contrary, the perpetually down on their luck neighbours are there mostly for their amusement. As far as they are concerned, after witnessing a long succession of rinse and repeat summer rebuilds, Rangers are nothing more than the boy who cried wolf. And if that remains the prevailing attitude this time around, even though the Americans have moved in next door, then that would be perfectly understandable too. Celtic have more than earned the right to see themselves as the rulers of this particular roost given the trophies that have been stock piled in the boardroom over the last decade or so as well as the bloated state of the club's bank balance. With Brendan Rodgers at the helm and this elite level manager eyeing up a fifth successive league flag, the champions ought to be more than robust enough to cope with whatever Cavenagh might have in mind. But, even so, they too probably ought to take heed of Murray's sudden switch in mindset. Because, if he is right and if Rangers really are about to become a relevant, credible force again, then it could come as a timely shot in the arm for their club too. What Celtic cannot afford is to become complacent or lulled into a false sense of never ending security. And competition is complacency's kryptonite. So perhaps on this occasion it might be healthy for the club and its hierarchy to assume that the ground might be about to shift beneath their feet after all. And to do something meaningful about it. For example, when Russell Martin confirmed during a TV interview last week that he is indeed serious about pursuing a deal for Crystal Palace winger Jeserun Rak-Sakyi, Celtic may have felt the first minor tremor. If Rangers are even considering entering into a loan deal for a player and taking on an obligation to buy Ray-Sakyi outright for a fee of around £8m, then it does indeed point to a significant raising of the stakes. The sheer size of the figures involved certainly suggests that, under Cavenagh and his friends from the San Francisco 49ers, Rangers will no longer be scrambling around down the back of the couch looking for some loose change whenever the transfer window opens up for business. Whether ultimately they thrash out a deal for the 22-year-old or not, the very fact that Martin has publicly declared an interest feels like a statement of intention. It shows that Rangers see themselves as credible operators in the recruitment market and that alone ought to be enough to up the ante where Celtic's current dealings are concerned. It may also demand a rush of urgency. For his part, Rodgers has been giving off some mixed messages over the last couple of weeks in terms of the strategy which is being deployed in the hunt for some much needed squad reinforcements as well as a handful of first XI upgrades. Having initially described Hayato Inamura as a 'club investment' and a new arrival who would probably be sent out on loan, the Irishman appeared to be putting some distance between himself and that particular signing. Reading between the lines, Rodgers seemed to be suggesting that there might be two separate tiers to Celtic's approach to recruitment this summer. One drawn up by the men above and one charted out by the manager himself. He made a point of pivoting back from that position last week in Como when he made a point of stressing that he and the club remain perfectly aligned in their priorities. Which is all well and fine. But it does beg the rather obvious question, why say such a thing in the first place? And it doesn't address the burning issue of a clear and obvious deficit in quality at the manager's disposal since the sales of Kyogo Furuhashi and Nicolas Kuhn as well as the injury which will keep Jota on a treatment table for the rest of this year. Nor the fact that the top flight kicks off with a visit from St Mirren in six days' time and there is less than a month to go before a £50m play-off for a place in the league phase of this season's Champions League. Celtic will do significant business before the window closes. Rodgers will almost certainly add some very pricey improvements to his starting line up. But the clock is ticking and this summer, for the first time in a long while, they can't simply assume that the neighbours will be in no fit shape to keep up.
Daily Record
7 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Reo Hatate turns Celtic super agent as key role in transfer drive revealed
Shin Yamada has lifted the lid on the role the frontman played in his move to the Scottish champions It broke Shin Yamada's heart having to say goodbye to his hometown club in Japan. But the hitman is convinced he'll find love again at Celtic. The frontman was in tears after his big send-off at Kawasaki Frontale with fans chanting his name and even holding up Scottish flags ahead of his £1.5m move to Glasgow. Yamada admitted it was an emotional experience that even left him wondering If he'd made the right call to move to the other side of the world. The feeling didn't last long though as he's always had his heart set in being a success abroad. The 25-year-old got his first take of action for Celt's in Saturday's Como Cup penalty shootout win against Al Ahli – who beat Yamada's Kawasaki side in the Asian Champions League Final back in May. A friendly victory couldn't be classed as revenge but the striker was delighted to bury the winning penalty having looked lively during his second half cameo. Yamada is up and running and ready to throw himself into life at Celtic. He said: 'I am 25 now so I'm not really young any more. 'I wanted to challenge myself. I had options to stay in Japan as well but felt the decision I made was good for my career. 'Kawasaki Frontale is the club where I grew up. It's the club that took care of me since I was in their Academy and I always wanted to contribute to the club. 'But I also had another dream I wanted to pursue for my career. It was sad for me to leave – but I had to make that decision. 'It was emotional for me. That is a love I really love but by coming to Celtic I believe I can improve myself more. That's why I made my decision.' Yamada didn't take a blind leap of faith coming to Scotland. He's seen some of his fellow Japanese stars soar with Celts and he fancied getting on board. He revealed he was sold on the move after a chat with midfielder Reo Hatate and he's already got cracking with learning the lingo. He said: 'The staff from at Celtic have told me some things. I have also done some research of my own. 'I have been speaking with Reo and the other guys. I had a video call with Reo before I came over and we had a good chat about everything. 'He gave me some good recommendations. Having Daizen and Ina here as other Japanese players has also helped me. The club even has an excellent interpreter who has helped me on and off the pitch. 'I plan to learn English myself, having started studying in Japan.I will study more when I get to Scotland but at the moment the language seems very fast!' Yamada insisted he's a quick learner though – on and off the park. He knows he's following in the footsteps of several Japanese smash hits with Celts but wants to be his own man. The frontman – who is part of his national squad – has admired the likes of Kyogo and Daizen Maeda at Parkhead. But it's a Frontale legend he looks up to the most. Yamada broke into he first team towards the end of club hero Yu Kobayashi's 14 year stint in Kawasaki, in a period where his side secured promotion and merged as regular J-League winners and Asia Champions League competitors. Yamada picked up a lot from his mentor and he's hoping it pays dividends for the Hoops. When asked about his own heroes, he said: 'There is player called Yu Kobayashi who played for Kawasaki. 'I used to watch him when I played for the academy. When I went to the top teams I used to watch him closely. 'I liked him personally and also his mentality. He's one of the players I admired.' Yamada got a taste for glory in the Asia Champions League – and he'd love a repeat in the European one. Frontale charged all the way to the Final last season, beating top sides from China before running into big spending Al Ahli. It proved to be a step too far as Riyad Mahrez and co were too strong and lifted the trophy with a 2-0 win. Yamada savoured the run though and he's determined to help Celts get to the group stages in Euro version. The Hoops face a perilous play-off in less than a month and the striker admitted it would be special to stroll out against the cream of the continent. He said: 'Obviously the Champions League is something that I have admired. I have been dreaming of playing there. 'If the team is doing well in the tournament then that would be great. And if I can be involved in those great results then that would be something I would be individually grateful for.' Yamada has his own dreams but he is determined to be a team player. It's early days for the attacker but the first impression was positive and he's out to impress more in the coming weeks. The hitman just wants to play his part and he said: 'It's more about the collective of the team. 'I have high confidence I can score goals at that level but without my team-mates I cannot score so I need to improve my connections and communications with the rest of the team. 'That's what I need to improve quickly.'
Daily Record
7 minutes ago
- Daily Record
No need for Celtic transfer panic yet as Rangers get unanimous Jury verdict with Panathinaikos predictions
Our Record Sport quartet debate four big questions in Scottish football from European action to transfers ahead of the big kick-off Do you fancy Rangers to come through against Panathinaikos? KEITH JACKSON: A two goal start from the first leg certainly gives Russell Martin and his men a bit of breathing space in scorching Athens but the job is only half done. It could be a long night on Wednesday and especially if the Greeks score early. But if Rangers strike first they could take the sting out of a potentially tricky tie. CRAIG SWAN: The two-goal cushion earned at Ibrox is priceless and, provided they can see off an expected early thrust from the Greeks, it should be a big enough buffer. GRAEME YOUNG: Yes. Their current fragility is cancelled out by their willingness to go for the jugular. Russell Martin won't camp in and they are a threat on the break and that will see them through. MICHAEL GANNON: Rangers can finish the job but it won't be a comfortable night. The Greeks have to go for it and there will be opportunities on the break. Where are Celtic placed heading into the new campaign? KEITH: With some serious work still to do in the transfer market. Kyogo Furuhashi and Nicolas Kuhn have gone without being adequately replaced and Jota will be on a treatment table for the rest of this year. As things stand Brendan Rodgers has every right to make demands of his board. CRAIG: The start of the season and the end of the transfer window are two different places. The squad will be stronger by August 31. But it's not fully equipped yet and getting through the Champions League qualifier is vital. GRAEME: The mood music over transfers has been brooding but the product on the pitch has been harmonious bar the gaffe-filled second half against Ajax. Benjamin Nygren appears capable of a Matt O'Riley impact. If they get their marquee signs right then all will be well. MICHAEL: With a strong squad in a lot of places and gaps in others. Brendan Rodgers knows he's short of attackers but there's time to fill in the blanks. Can Hearts make a genuine push to split the Old Firm under Derek McInnes? KEITH: That's precisely what Derek McInnes will be hoping to achieve. With Rangers going through another summer of transition and Celtic slow off the blocks in the market he'll believe there is an opportunity for Hearts to lay down a meaningful early marker. With no European football to distract them and Tony Bloom's financial muscle, why can't they get involved in the argument? CRAIG: They can make a push towards it, but it's a tall order for the new manager to actually do it in his first season at the club. It's a building job. Derek McInnes should be afforded patience on that front. GRAEME: It will be tough. Odds of 16/1 for title glory appear bookie bait but Hearts boast a criminally underrated manager who is embracing a brave new dawn. The computer says yes in the coming years but finishing third has to be the main target. MICHAEL: Hearts should be ambitious but it's tough to take on the big two. It the Jambos finish third it's a good achievement. Who is best equipped to make a splash in the Premiership of the promoted sides, Falkirk or Livingston? KEITH: Falkirk have been catching the eye for some time on their journey up through the leagues. Fingers crossed they'll be a breath of fresh air now they're finally back in the top flight. CRAIG: Tough call. John McGlynn has a vibrant young team and David Martindale is a maestro at Livi. Perhaps both can, but it's going to be some scrap again at the bottom. GRAEME: Falkirk, John McGlynn has the air of an accidental hero about him but there's nothing lucky about his success with the Bairns. Their willingness to play their own daring way will once again yield results. MICHAEL: Livingston will be back like they were never away and as tough as ever, especially at home. Falkirk will surprise a few teams and don't bet against them staying up.
