THE Old Firm are set to battle it out for Aston Villa forward Shaun Maloney.
Former Celtic star Maloney is desperate to quit Martin O'Neill's side to return north and wants a deal concluded as soon as possible.
MailSport can reveal that behind-the-scenes moves from both clubs have taken place within the past 72 hours.
Rangers boss Walter Smith was tempted to move for Maloney in January last year when the player couldn't agree a new Hoops deal.
But it was decided moving directly across the Old Firm divide wasn't ideal and Villa snapped him up for 1million.
However, Gers have now reassessed the situation and feel Maloney would be an excellent addition to their team as Smith bids to inject more flair and pace.
It's understood the Scotland ace would be willing to join Rangers to kickstart his career.
And the possibility of teaming up with his former Parkhead reserve coach Kenny McDowall - now first-team coach at Ibrox - is an attraction.
However, Celtic also want to bring him back. Manager Gordon Strachan has never hidden his admiration for Maloney - named SPFA Player of the Year in 2006 - and the pair have stayed in contact since his move south.
There is no doubt Maloney feels a greater pull towards the Hoops but he isn't ruling anything out at this stage.
The 25-year-old hasn't been a regular for Villa but English sources insist the Premiership club want 3m for him.
However, that kind of fee wouldn't be a problem for the Old Firm as they fight each other in the transfer market for the second summer running.
Last year Celtic won the 4.4mchase for Hibs star Scott Brown while Kilmarnock's Stevie Naismith opted for Rangers in a 2m deal.
Former Celtic star Maloney is desperate to quit Martin O'Neill's side to return north and wants a deal concluded as soon as possible.
MailSport can reveal that behind-the-scenes moves from both clubs have taken place within the past 72 hours.
Rangers boss Walter Smith was tempted to move for Maloney in January last year when the player couldn't agree a new Hoops deal.
But it was decided moving directly across the Old Firm divide wasn't ideal and Villa snapped him up for 1million.
However, Gers have now reassessed the situation and feel Maloney would be an excellent addition to their team as Smith bids to inject more flair and pace.
It's understood the Scotland ace would be willing to join Rangers to kickstart his career.
And the possibility of teaming up with his former Parkhead reserve coach Kenny McDowall - now first-team coach at Ibrox - is an attraction.
However, Celtic also want to bring him back. Manager Gordon Strachan has never hidden his admiration for Maloney - named SPFA Player of the Year in 2006 - and the pair have stayed in contact since his move south.
There is no doubt Maloney feels a greater pull towards the Hoops but he isn't ruling anything out at this stage.
The 25-year-old hasn't been a regular for Villa but English sources insist the Premiership club want 3m for him.
However, that kind of fee wouldn't be a problem for the Old Firm as they fight each other in the transfer market for the second summer running.
Last year Celtic won the 4.4mchase for Hibs star Scott Brown while Kilmarnock's Stevie Naismith opted for Rangers in a 2m deal.
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