RANGERS TOP TARGET PUBLICLY DECLINES RANGERS FC OFFER AND GIVES CELTIC THE GREEN LIGHT — A TRANSFER THAT COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING

Rangers have reportedly suffered a major setback in their pursuit of one of Aston Villa’s promising young defenders, with the player now at the centre of a sensational transfer storyline involving Celtic.

The Ibrox club have been looking to strengthen at right-back and have identified the Aston Villa youngster as a potential solution. Rangers’ interest in the defender has been reported in recent weeks, with the club exploring the possibility of bringing him to Glasgow.

Recent reports have suggested that Rangers were closing in on a deal for the player, with a loan move and a potential obligation to buy being discussed. However, the latest version of the story has introduced an unexpected twist.

Rather than simply accepting Rangers’ proposal, the player is reportedly considering another option.

And that option could be Celtic.

The possibility of the defender choosing Celtic over Rangers would be particularly significant given the rivalry between the two Glasgow giants. Any transfer involving a player who has been strongly linked with one side before moving to the other would immediately generate enormous reaction from supporters.

Rangers are understood to be attracted by the player’s age, athleticism and potential.

The club are also looking for greater depth at right-back, making the youngster an appealing target. He has already experienced football at a high level despite being only 20 years old, and Rangers could provide him with regular first-team football and the opportunity to continue developing.

Reports have indicated that Rangers were prepared to offer him an important role within the squad.

That could have been one of the reasons behind their interest.

The defender’s situation at Aston Villa is also an important part of the story. He has been competing for opportunities at Villa Park, where Matty Cash remains an established option at right-back.

With limited senior appearances available, a temporary move could provide the youngster with the consistent football he needs.

Rangers would therefore appear to be an attractive destination.

But Celtic could potentially offer a different sporting proposition.

The Hoops can provide European football, domestic title ambitions and the opportunity to compete for major trophies. That could make a move to Celtic appealing if the player is prioritising competition at the highest level and a pathway towards European football.

The reported change of direction has therefore created uncertainty around his next destination.

Importantly, there is no confirmed evidence that the player has publicly rejected a Rangers offer or formally given Celtic the green light. Current reporting indicates that Rangers have been pursuing him and that a deal has been close, rather than confirming a completed switch to Celtic.

That distinction is important, because transfer negotiations can change quickly.

Rangers have reportedly been working on a season-long loan arrangement that could include an obligation to buy for around £4 million, depending on appearances. The potential agreement would give the Scottish club the opportunity to assess the player while also potentially securing him permanently.

The player himself has already gained valuable experience away from Villa.

Aston Villa confirmed that he spent part of the 2024/25 campaign with RB Leipzig before returning to the Bundesliga club on another season-long loan in July 2025. Across his time with Leipzig, he made a number of appearances while continuing his development away from England.

His development has also attracted attention because of his international career.

The right-back has represented Serbia at senior level and has already gained experience against high-quality opposition. UEFA lists him as an Aston Villa defender and Serbia international, highlighting the progress he has made at a relatively young age.

For Rangers, losing out on such a player would be frustrating.

The club need to strengthen their squad and have reportedly viewed the youngster as a potential answer to their right-back situation. A move to Ibrox could give him regular football while allowing Rangers to add a young player with significant upside.

For Celtic, meanwhile, hijacking the move would represent a major statement.

It would not simply be about signing a talented defender. It would mean beating their biggest rivals to a player Rangers had reportedly been pursuing.

That is precisely why the transfer has the potential to become one of the most talked-about stories in Scottish football.

The player’s identity is Kosta Nedeljković.

The 20-year-old Serbian joined Aston Villa from Red Star Belgrade in January 2024 and has since been sent on loan to RB Leipzig as part of his development. Aston Villa’s official announcement confirmed his move to Leipzig in 2025 after he had made 10 appearances for Villa.

Rangers’ interest in Nedeljković is genuine enough to have been reported by multiple outlets, but the dramatic claim that he has publicly rejected Rangers and chosen Celtic remains unconfirmed.

For now, Rangers remain in the race.

But if Celtic were to enter the picture and convince Nedeljković to choose Parkhead instead, it could completely transform the story.

What appeared to be a straightforward Rangers pursuit could suddenly become another dramatic chapter in the rivalry between Scotland’s two biggest clubs.