Glasgow rivals Celtic and Rangers have both lost the race to sign Club Brugge 19-year-old midfielder Riley McGree to Australian side Newcastle Jets.
McGree is set to link up with the Jets next month on a short-term loan after an agreement was reached between both clubs.
The highly-rated midfielder struggled to break into Brugge’s first-team picture following his summer switch from Adelaide United.
Nevertheless, the Old Firm rivals reckoned the teenager could continue his development at their sides given how he impressed back at home before moving to Europe.
Rangers are hoping to bring in midfield reinforcements in order to keep up with their chase with Aberdeen for 2nd place, while Celtic want more depth in the position as they go about defending the remaining domestic trophies.
Would McGree have been a quality addition to either side?
While it’s now too late to find out, that he found it difficult to adapt to the rigors of the Jupiler Pro League hints at an answer.
McGree is regarded as the brightest prospect in Australia, and that he earned an invite to the senior national team back in March shows he has great potential.
However, hitting the ground running in Europe topflight divisions at a tender age isn’t the easiest of tasks.
