Celtic summer transfer target opens up about potential move with Rangers taking aim

Suraj Radia

15 Feb 2026 13:07 CST
3 min read

One of Celtic’s long-term transfer targets has opened up about his future amid speculation that he could be on the move this summer and cause a battle between Martin O'Neill and Old Firm rivals Rangers.

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Celtic have been keen to add quality to their squad during a difficult campaign, which led to six new arrivals in January, although O’Neill’s side are still third in the Scottish Premiership, six points behind leaders Hearts.

Among the names considered was Kilmarnock midfielder David Watson, who had a £500,000 bid from Bolton rejected for him in January, however the 21-year-old has insisted he is not letting the ‘noise’ distract him.

Current ETV

David Watson

M (C)

Kilmarnock

David Watson

M (C)

Kilmarnock

ETV Range

€1.4M - €2M

“I’m not dealing with that; it’s my agent who will do that," he said, regarding reports over his future. “I’m just focused on what I’m doing, and I’ll take it day by day and game by game.

“I wasn’t aware of what was going on during the window. I was focusing on what I had to do on the pitch. Even when I was suspended, I was still at the games. I always focus on Kilmarnock before anything else.

“It’s the type of person I am. I’m not fussed about outside noise. I’d rather concentrate on what’s happening on the pitch; it’s the same now.”

Celtic set to face fight for young Scottish star Watson

Both Celtic and Rangers had been linked with Watson earlier in the season, with the midfielder having scored three times this season and set to be out of contract in the summer, while the likes of Lazio and Hearts have also been monitoring the situation.

© IMAGO - David Watson has been linked with a move to Celtic.

Despite his tender age, Watson has been a key player for Kilmarnock since coming through their academy and he won the league’s young player of the year award last season.

A regular at under-21 level for Scotland, Watson is expected to command substantial compensation if he leaves Kilmarnock in the summer, with Celtic and Aberdeen the clubs credited with an interest.

Watson will have his opportunity to impress Celtic directly when Kilmarnock visit the Scottish giants on Sunday as Neil McCann’s side look to climb up the table from 11th place.

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