Celtic are attempting to hijack Rangers' move for Wigan Athletic starlet Kyle Joseph after joining the race for the out of contract Scotland youth star.
The 19-year-old has sparked a transfer battle north and south of the border after a breakout month for the financially stricken Latics in which he bagged a first career hat-trick during a dramatic 4-3 win over fellow relegation-threatened side Burton Albion.
It put a host of sides including Blackpool and Tottenham Hotspur on alert, but Rangers were hoping to exploit a transfer loophole allowing them to sign the player for a lesser compensation payment when his deal expires in the summer.
However, Old Firm rivals Celtic are now hoping to rival the Gers for his signature with the Glasgow duo set to go head to head over the next few weeks.
The Daily Mirror reports Wigan, second bottom of England's third tier, are ready to cash in on their prized asset if he turns down their contract offer this month.
The Latics have put terms in front of the London-born teenager, who has seven caps for Scotland's under-19 side, meaning they would be entitled to compensation regardless of which side wins the race for his signature.
But Celtic or Rangers would pay less due to cross-border transfer rules.
The Daily Record reported that Rangers had recently dropped their interest in the striker, but Steven Gerrard's side have been quoted as keeping tabs on Joseph's situation elsewhere.
