Hannibal Mejbri to Rangers transfer branded 'difficult' but Celtic may not face same Man Utd hurdle

Hannibal Mejbri will only be allowed to leave Manchester United this summer if a permanent offer arrives.

And while that has been rated difficult for Rangers specifically, it could clear a path for Celtic to get the deal done. The midfielder said this week he is tired of waiting for his chances at Old Trafford and both Rangers and Celtic have been linked with a move for the 21-year-old. Interest from Ibrox emerged first, before reports from Mosaique FM in his native Tunisia indicated the Hoops were ready to 'hijack' the deal from their city rivals.

Now, though, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has pivoted back to news from the south west of the city as he confirmed there was firm interest earlier in the window. But he also insists United's stance on an exit could make it tricky for Philippe Clement to negotiate a deal - since they want to sell outright rather than loan him out. Romano told GiveMeSport: “Yes, there was an interest (from Rangers). It’s true. But Man United are only interested in permanent transfer. So, that means selling the player on a permanent transfer, not a new loan. And at the moment, for Rangers, that could be quite difficult.

“So the conversation is true, the interest is true. But the formula of the transfer is going to be crucial to understand the future of Hannibal.”

If United are determined to sell rather than loan then a move to Celtic, who have more cash to burn on signings this window, looks more likely. Especially if Matt O'Riley ends up leaving, freeing up both significant money and a creative void in midfield. United paid close to £9m to sign Hannibal from Monaco in 2019 and would likely to want to break even to consider selling him.

Old Trafford legend Andy Cole though believes a move