Hannibal to Rangers transfer twist as Celtic 'ready bid'

Reports in his homeland in Tunisia claim Brendan Rodgers could make a move for the midfielder.

The 21-year-old had been linked with a move to Rangers in recent weeks but in a major twist is not being touted for a switch to Parkhead.

Radio Mosaique claim Celtic are close to pulling the trigger in offering a long-term contract to Hannibal with a fee to be tabled to Manchester United.

It comes after transfer insider Fabrizio Romano claimed Manchester United would look to sell Hannibal this summer with Rangers named as an interested club.

"Yeah I think there will be some more exits," said Romano. " For example Hannibal Mejbri will be out, I think, in the next days.

"They want to sell him on a permanent transfer and there is genuine interest from Rangers."

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Hannibal has been involved with the Manchester United first-team in pre-season under Erik ten Hag. The midfielder featured at Murrayfield earlier this month in a 2-0 win over Rangers.

The Tunisia international is under contract at Old Trafford until next season.

He spent the second half of the season on loan at La Liga club Sevilla but was limited to a bit part role in Spain.

Before the temporary exit, he had made ten appearances for Manchester United across the League Cup, Champions League and Premier League.