AEK Athens defender James Penrice has been linked with both Glasgow giants this summer, but his representatives have reportedly shut down speculation over a move to Rangers amid escalating interest from Celtic.
Record Sport revealed earlier this week that Celtic have made initial contact with AEK over the availability of the former Hearts star, with the club exploring their left-back options. After loan star Marcelo Saracchi ruled out a return, Kieran Tierney is the only senior left-back at Celtic heading into the new season.
Penrice's Greek Success and Rangers Links
Penrice lifted the Greek Super League title following his £2million Tynecastle exit last summer, and has also been linked with a switch to Ibrox. To make the move to AEK, the 27-year-old departed the Jambos' Spanish pre-season training camp under Derek McInnes – the new Rangers boss – to seal the deal.
Reports in Greece suggested that a bid from Rangers had been knocked back, and that interest was being revived to add competition for Tuur Rommens. But the player's representatives have distanced the defender from a move, with Greek football insider Antonis Oikonomides going public with his intel.
Greek Insider's Comments
Speaking on SPORT24’s YouTube show Box2Box, Oikonomides said: "Rangers have always been a constant, unchanging focal point within this circle of Penrice’s admirers. I didn’t see it happening when we were discussing it during the previous transfer window, I didn’t see it before this one even started, and I don’t see it now that the Rangers name has resurfaced. The player’s side denies it, maintaining that there is absolutely nothing with Rangers. What is clear is that Rangers are not interested. So, for goodness’ sake, just so I’m not misunderstood or say anything out of line, it’s being said that there is no interest from Rangers – and that there still isn’t – for Penrice."
But he insisted there was an opening for the Scottish champions from the player's side, adding: "There is an open door, a small window of opportunity for Celtic. Let me remind you that Celtic wanted him before he came to AEK from Hearts. Because he is on a list for Celtic, who are looking for a player in that position, that’s worth keeping an eye on."
