Celtic have made a formal approach to sign AEK Athens left-back James Penrice, setting up a potential transfer battle with city rivals Rangers in the summer window.
The Scottish Premiership champions are looking for backup cover for Kieran Tierney, and Penrice fits the profile given his extensive experience in Scottish football.
The 27-year-old has racked up 108 appearances in the Scottish Premiership across spells with Partick Thistle, Livingston and Hearts, showing he is no stranger to the demands of the division.
Penrice has chipped in with four goals and 14 assists in the top flight of Scottish football, demonstrating an attacking threat that goes beyond what is typically expected of a full-back.
His versatility is a significant selling point, with the Scot having regularly featured in left-midfield and in central positions throughout his career, offering managers more than one tactical option.
During his time at Hearts in the 2024-25 season, Penrice created 56 chances, a figure that was the joint-highest in the squad, and former manager Neil Critchley has lauded him as “outstanding.”
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Celtic have now made an approach to sign Penrice, who is viewed as an “option to support” Tierney heading into next season.
Rangers had been expecting to win the race for the defender, making Celtic’s formal approach a significant development in what could become a fierce cross-city transfer tug of war.
Penrice joined AEK Athens in a £2m deal last summer, meaning any transfer fee would be relatively modest compared to the value he could bring to either Glasgow club.
Celtic’s interest in a new left-back was sparked by the departure of Marcelo Saracchi, who returned to parent club Boca Juniors earlier this month after the Hoops failed to secure him on a permanent basis.
Saracchi made clear his disappointment at leaving Parkhead, writing: “My agent and I did absolutely everything within our power to make a return to Glasgow happen. I’m truly gutted that I won’t be able to continue at the club.”
He added: “However, I know our paths will cross again in the future. I wish you all nothing but the best for what’s ahead. Thank you for everything.”
Manager Martin O’Neill could face a busy end to the transfer window, with midfielder Arne Engels having asked to leave Celtic amid widespread interest from Premier League clubs.