Rangers ‘in talks’ to sign EFL defender ahead of Norwich City as European side pushes to sign Celtic playmaker

Rangers manager Russell Martin has reportedly been given the green light to try and sign highly rated Peterborough United defender Emmanuel Fernandez this summer.

The Light Blues are looking to kick off their new era under 49ers Enterprises with plenty of signings that can take the team forward after a feeble attempt at winning the title last term.

Rangers hold talks with Emmanuel Fernandez

The defender came through the academy at Premier League side Brentford before beginning his professional career at Gillingham in 2018. He never made it as a regular with the Kent-based side and gained experience at the likes of Sheppey United and Margate at the non-league level before earning a free transfer to Peterborough in 2021. Fernandez had to be patient for opportunities after going out on loan at Spalding United and Barnet but emerged as a first-team player for the Posh during the 2023/24 season when he made 18 appearances across all competitions.

However, last season proved to be his most successful to date, as he racked up 42 appearances across all competitions while scoring five league goals. He formed part of the side which won the EFL Trophy against the odds for the second year in a row while comfortably avoiding relegation despite a lacklustre start. The 6ft 4in defender is under contract at the Weston Homes Stadium until 2027, having signed his most recent extension in 2024.

RB Leipzig target Celtic playmaker

Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn is reported to be a top target for German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. The Saxony-based outfit finished last season in seventh position and are targeting huge improvements after a disappointing campaign that saw them miss out on Europa League qualification while also falling short in the league phase of the Champions League.

Kuhn was on the books at Leipzig as a youngster between 2015 and 2018, although he never represented the club at the senior level. The former German Under-21 international notably treated Celtic to one of their most famous nights last season when he found the net against Leipzig during a 3-1 win at Parkhead.

The 25-year-old is believed to be valued at around £15m after a successful season that saw him score 21 goals and contribute 15 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions.

However, former Hoops midfielder Simon Donnelly has warned the club about the potential risks of letting him go. He told Clyde Superscoreboard: “You can’t argue about his season and his numbers.” There was a period where he was attracting a lot of interest because he was doing so well in the Champions League, scoring goals, and performing well, and then I thought his form dipped a little bit towards the end of the season.

“But when you look at a wide player, I think his goals and assists were very, very good. At one point, I think he was pushing Daizen Maeda for Player of the Year. Maeda just kept going; he was consistent right through.

“I don’t know how I feel about it. Jota is going to be away for a little bit through injury. I’m not sure. It’s one of those ones, careful what you wish for. Can you get somebody to come in and have that many assists and goals right from the off? We don’t know.

“Kuhn had a slow start the season before, so we’ll wait and see. They will be doing a lot of work in the background. Wide players are the ones that have been linked, so they are obviously looking in that area again. Whether they know Kuhn’s away, time will tell.”