Celtic and Rangers’ negotiations fall apart as Ibrox chiefs plan to hijack top Hoops target.

Celtic and Rangers have spent a large part of the summer monitoring the same transfer target, but their long-running battle for Fares Ghedjemis now appears to be losing momentum, with the winger’s rising valuation making a deal increasingly difficult for either Glasgow club.

Instead of continuing to pursue the Algeria international, Rangers are reportedly preparing to take a different approach by targeting another player already on Celtic’s radar. The Ibrox side are believed to be considering a move for Hearts attacker Claudio Braga, potentially setting up another transfer battle between the two Scottish giants.

Ghedjemis Price Rise Changes Celtic and Rangers Plans

Both Celtic and Rangers have followed Ghedjemis for several months, with the Frosinone winger emerging as one of the most interesting attacking players available this summer.

The Algeria international has enjoyed a rapid rise in profile and holds a notable place in Frosinone’s history as the first player from the club to represent a country at a World Cup.

However, his performances have also caused his valuation to increase significantly. Frosinone are now reportedly demanding as much as €20 million, which converts to approximately £17.3 million.

That price represents a substantial increase and appears to have changed the situation for both Celtic and Rangers.

Monaco have already attempted to make progress by submitting an offer worth around €7 million plus additional bonuses. Frosinone rejected that proposal, demonstrating that the Italian club have little interest in allowing their prized asset to leave for anything close to a bargain fee.

With Frosinone demanding such a significant amount, neither Celtic nor Rangers are believed to be prepared to go as high as the club’s current valuation.

As a result, what once looked like a fascinating Glasgow transfer battle could now be approaching its conclusion.

Celtic Turn Attention Towards Hearts Star

With Ghedjemis becoming increasingly expensive, Celtic appear to have identified an alternative target in Hearts forward Claudio Braga.

The Portuguese attacker enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign and established himself as one of the most influential attacking players in the Scottish Premiership.

Braga was rewarded for his performances by being named PFA Scotland Player of the Year after scoring 14 goals in 38 league appearances for Hearts.

His versatility has also made him an attractive option, with the 26-year-old capable of operating across the frontline and providing different attacking solutions.

Celtic have been keeping track of Braga for some time, and developments at Hearts could potentially make a summer transfer possible.

The Tynecastle club have already lost influential figures such as captain Lawrence Shankland and midfielder Cammy Devlin during the current window. That has increased speculation that more key players could depart if suitable offers arrive.

Rangers Prepare Potential Braga Hijack

However, Celtic’s pursuit of Braga is reportedly far from straightforward.

Rangers manager Derek McInnes already has an established connection with the Portuguese attacker from his previous time at Hearts. That relationship could prove important if Rangers decide to make a serious attempt to sign him.

According to reports, the Ibrox club are prepared to match any proposal Celtic submit for Braga, giving Rangers the opportunity to hijack a transfer that could otherwise have been heading towards Parkhead.

McInnes was reportedly interested in bringing Braga to Rangers when he replaced Danny Rohl as manager, highlighting the admiration he already has for the player.

That interest has apparently remained strong, and Rangers now see Braga as a realistic opportunity to make a major addition to their attack.

Hearts Want Significant Fee for Braga

Hearts have already demonstrated that they will not allow Braga to leave cheaply.

The Edinburgh club rejected an offer of approximately £5 million for the forward in January, indicating that they believe his value has increased following his excellent campaign.

Their current asking price is reportedly between £8 million and £10 million.

Unlike the Ghedjemis situation, however, that valuation does not appear to have discouraged either Celtic or Rangers.

Both clubs are understood to have the financial capacity and interest required to pursue the attacker, potentially setting up another major transfer battle between the Old Firm rivals.

For Rangers, winning the race would carry significance beyond simply strengthening the squad. Securing one of Celtic’s leading targets would also provide McInnes with an opportunity to make an early statement and potentially deliver a psychological blow to his club’s biggest domestic rivals.

Braga Remains Careful Over Transfer Speculation

Despite the growing interest surrounding him, Braga has attempted to remain focused on his football rather than allowing transfer rumours to affect his preparations.

The Hearts attacker recently explained that players cannot afford to become distracted by speculation surrounding their futures.

Braga made it clear that discussions involving his future are being handled by his representatives, allowing him to concentrate on his responsibilities on the pitch.

At the same time, he did acknowledge that he has ambitions for his career and would consider leaving Hearts if the right opportunity emerged.

However, any potential transfer would need to make sense for both himself and the Edinburgh club.

That stance leaves the door open to a move while making it clear that Braga is not actively pushing for an exit.

Vrancken Refuses to Be Distracted

New Hearts manager Wouter Vrancken has adopted a similarly relaxed approach to the speculation.

The Belgian coach has insisted that his attention remains firmly on the players currently available to him rather than attempting to predict which members of his squad could leave before the transfer window closes.

Vrancken recognises that transfer activity is an unavoidable part of football and that situations can change quickly.

Rather than becoming distracted by potential arrivals and departures, his priority is preparing the players who remain with Hearts and ensuring they are ready for the challenges ahead.

For Hearts supporters, that approach will provide some reassurance as uncertainty continues over the future of several important players.

Rangers Also Pursuing Driouech

Braga is not the only attacking player Rangers are pursuing as McInnes attempts to improve his options in the final third.

The Ibrox club have also been working on a possible deal for PSV winger Couhaib Driouech.

Rangers have already had an offer worth approximately £6.4 million rejected by the Eredivisie club, although discussions have reportedly continued.

Celta Vigo are also believed to be interested in the Morocco-eligible winger, meaning Rangers could face competition from outside Scotland for his signature.

Driouech enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, contributing seven goals and eight assists across his Eredivisie and Champions League appearances.

His numbers demonstrate why Rangers see him as an attractive attacking option.

Rangers Determined to Strengthen Attack

Whether Rangers ultimately succeed in signing Braga, Driouech or another attacking target, their intentions appear clear.

McInnes wants to add greater quality and depth to his forward options before the transfer window closes.

The Ghedjemis situation may have become increasingly difficult because of Frosinone’s huge valuation, but Rangers are not allowing that setback to stop their wider recruitment plans.

A move for Braga would provide McInnes with a player already proven in Scottish football, while Driouech would offer a different profile and experience of European competition.

For Celtic, meanwhile, losing Braga to Rangers would represent another intriguing twist in an already competitive transfer window.

The two clubs may have moved away from their shared pursuit of Ghedjemis, but their paths could now cross again over Braga, with Rangers potentially preparing to turn one of Celtic’s preferred targets into a major Ibrox signing.