Florin Andone to Celtic or Rangers makes sense but unlikely to happen

Reports emerged from Turkey that Brighton striker Florin Andone, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray, is wanted by both Old Firm clubs.
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The Romanian has been in Turkey since leaving Brighton last January for a spell at Galatasaray.

He has scored twice in 11 appearances during an injury hit stay with the Turkish club.

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Andone, 26, is one of many players facing an uncertain future. His loan is due to expire in June but his contract with Brighton runs until 2023.

Florin Andone's loan spell in Turkey expires in JuneFlorin Andone's loan spell in Turkey expires in June
Florin Andone's loan spell in Turkey expires in June

His last outing for Albion in the Premier League saw him sent off following a rash tackle against Southampton's Yan Valery last August. At the time, Brighton boss Graham Potter said he "can't defend" the challenge."

Andone swiftly departed and it appears unlikely he will be in Potter's long term plans.

The Romanian international was a regular scorer in Spain for Cordoba and Deportivo.

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He moved to Brighton in 2018 for £5m but struggled to establish himself in the Premier League line-up under Chris Hughton.

Graham Potter with Florin Andone after his red card against Southampton at the Amex last AugustGraham Potter with Florin Andone after his red card against Southampton at the Amex last August
Graham Potter with Florin Andone after his red card against Southampton at the Amex last August

He totalled four goals in 26 appearances on the south coast and an injury-hit spell in Turkey would have done little to attract serious bidders.

However, Steven Gerrard's Rangers and Neil Lennon's Celtic are both said to be keen.

Celtic will do well to keep their talented striker Odsonne Edouard this summer and Rangers' prolific but temperamental attacker Alfredo Morelos is also in demand. A deal for Andone could make sense for both clubs.

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Sky Sports recently reported Brighton are keen on Clermont Foot’s Austrian 17-goal striker Adrian Grbic. Celtic and Rangers are also tracking Grbic and it's possible the Andone speculation grow from this.

A permanent deal of around £5m for Andone could be too steep for both Glasgow clubs, given the current financial climate and the striker's recent track record.

Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said recently it's unlikely to be a seller's market this summer.

If a decent offer for Andone fails to materialise, another loan deal for the striker may well be on the cards.

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