Rangers transfer update emerges on Emmanuel Longelo as Celtic eye Motherwell star

Rangers are not actively targeting Motherwell left-back Emmanuel Longelo despite reports suggesting the Ibrox club could make a late move for the Englishman who scored a late winner at Ibrox last season.

Longelo has been linked with a departure from Fir Park before the transfer window closes, with Sacha Tavolieri reporting that Rangers had identified the 25-year-old as one of their main options at left-back.

However, Inside Ibrox understands that is not the case.

As reported by Scott McDermott at the Daily Record, there is no concrete Rangers interest in Longelo, with the club not currently considering the Motherwell defender as a target despite the latest reports.

Old Firm rivals target Longelo

The situation appears to have been a case of crossed wires, with Longelo actually emerging as a player of interest to Rangers' Old Firm rivals Celtic.

The Parkhead side are understood to be considering Longelo as an alternative option in their search for a left-back after an injury to Kieran Tierney.

Celtic's interest comes as they assess an alternative to their pursuit of Frankfurt’s Niels Nkounkou, with Longelo now among the names being considered.

At Ibrox there is little reason to pursue another left-back at this stage. Derek McInnes already has three players capable of operating in the position in new signing James Penrice, Tuur Rommens and 16-year-old Ashton Scally.

Rommens and Scally are currently unavailable through injury, which may explain why speculation has emerged regarding Rangers' interest in Longelo.

However, the Ibrox club are not looking to add the Motherwell player to their squad.

Left back not an issue at Ibrox

Penrice has established himself as the recognised option on the left, while Rommens is working on a return to action. Scally remains in reserve after missing pre-season with injury following his first-team debut on the final day of last season away to Falkirk.

The latest development comes with Rangers working against the clock to complete their remaining transfer business before Thursday's deadline.

Kevin Kelsy is expected to become the club's latest signing after completing his medical ahead of his move from Portland Timbers.

The £9.5 million Venezuelan striker is set to provide McInnes with another option up front following Youssef Chermiti's injury.

Rangers are also continuing to assess their options on the wing, with Amario Cozier-Duberry remaining on their radar and the ever increasing amount of Turkish reports on Vaclav Cerny’s potential return.

The Brighton winger could cost around £10 million, although any move could depend on departures from Ibrox before the window closes.

Bojan Miovski is another player whose future remains uncertain after being left out of the squad for the trip to Aberdeen.

The Macedonian striker could leave Rangers either permanently or on loan before the deadline with Genclerbirligi linked heavily.

But despite the need to make decisions elsewhere in the squad, Longelo is not currently part of McInnes' plans.