Rangers news bulletin as Paddy McNair transfer option 'likely to appeal' while 'worst case' Celtic scenario named

A move to Rangers is "likely to appeal" to Paddy McNair as he approaches the end of his Middlesbrough contract.

The 29-year-old has confirmed he will bring the curtain down on his six-year spell at the Riverside this summer, with reports suggesting a move to Ibrox could be on the cards for the Northern Ireland international. Posting to his Instagram page after the end of the English Championship season, McNair said: “After six years and 219 appearances, my time (at Middlesbrough) has come to an end. Big thank you to all of the players, staff and the fans for the support throughout the years. Looking forward to the next chapter.”

The Belfast Telegraph have touted Rangers as one the interested parties this summer in the former Manchester United and Sunderland star, alongside Maccabi Tel Aviv and Italian side Como. However, a move to the Scottish Premiership "is likely to appeal" to McNair who is a boyhood fan of the Light Blues.

Elsewhere, Kevin Thomson has warned Rangers to at least make Celtic work for the title this weekend - as nobody will accept them just giving it away at Parkhead on Saturday. The former Ibrox midfielder admits the whole complexion of the race for the flag has changed after a woeful week last month saw Philippe Clement’s side lose at Ross County and draw with Dundee.

Before shipping those five points the destination of the championship was very much in Rangers’ hands. But with Celtic now leading by three points and boasting a better goal difference even a win in the east end of Glasgow on Saturday might not be enough for Thomson’s old side.

He told the BBC Scottish Football Podcast: “Worst case, Rangers need to make Celtic have to win the title. I don’t think anyone would accept them just giving it