10 transfer bargains Celtic and Rangers could pick up for nothing this summer

Celtic and Rangers have the same transfer philosophy nowadays.

The Glasgow giants are both of the mindset that they need to spend little sums to earn larger fees down the line when their players inevitably move on. Both have proven to be adept at just that over the years with the likes of Moussa Dembele, Calvin Bassey, Joe Aribo and Jota raking in the big bucks from relatively low incoming price tags. They've also managed to do some commendable freebie business with their respective academy prospects - Kieran Tierney and Nathan Patterson, for example - also bringing in good money.

Their fans will always demand both boardrooms spend big in the transfer windows, and that may still happen. But Celtic and Rangers should also be keeping an eye on player contracts and the upcoming free transfer market.

Football Scotland has noted 10 players who can be picked up for nothing in the summer, and there's certainly some talent there to be had.

Anwar El Ghazi

The winger has already made a transfer pitch to Celtic for the Green Brigade's Palestine stance and the former Aston Villa star is certainly not past his best. Still at 28, the attacker is a readymade player who cannot be considered a "project" which has been supporters' criticism in recent seasons.

David de Gea

How this man is still a free agent is inexplicable. Salary, perhaps, but he could be tempted to replace Joe Hart for a year to get back to his best and play on a European platform again. Foregoing a transfer fee for Celtic, for example, would benefit them as they could look to use all that cash to chuck at him for his wages. Again, perhaps too much of a stretch, but for one season only? Mutually beneficial, you'd have to think.

Zymer Bytyqi

The 27-year-old is without a club right now having left Antalyaspor with four assists and two goals most recently. Again, a readymade player who has already featured in Europe, either side of the Glasgow divide would be getting a creative star.

Max Lowe

Both Celtic and Rangers are in need of a left-back for the start of next season and the Sheffield United defender's contract is coming up with the Blades. He's 26, has played in the Premiership before with Aberdeen and has since starred in the EFL Championship and has Premier League experience.

Oli McBurnie

Couldn't sign for Celtic, anyway, but Rangers want a prolific hitman and he's Gers-daft. Has proven in the Championship he can score a barrel load and he'd be looking to do the same at Ibrox. Has had the chance under Steven Gerrard before so now might be the time.

Callum O'Hare

The Coventry midfielder has been terrific this season for the club and has 10 goals and four assists in 35 games. Showed his stuff against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final where he scored at Wembley. Will be a big player but has various interested parties, so it would have to be a big offer to tempt him to Scotland.

Carlos Vela

A left-field option who comes with a reputation. Like De Gea previously, he'd likely only be a one-season wonder but he's played at a top level his whole career. Would be an interesting move but he's only been out of contract since January and MLS clubs are already keen.

Vaclav Hladky

The former St Mirren goalie has been a big part of Ipswich Town's Premier League promotion push with 14 clean sheets from 46 outings. Has been linked with both sides of the divide in recent years and if Gers sell Jack Butland for a hefty price, signing Hladky on a free would be great business. Celtic, with Hart retiring, would also be a smart move for a freebie at this point with such experience.

Asmir Begovic

Celtic have been told to hurry if they want the QPR stopper but he's aging like current number one Joe Hart and may not be the exciting summer signing fans want. Still, he's played for Chelsea and Stoke City among other clubs and is an experienced hand.

Stuart Armstrong

A Celtic return for the 32-year-old? Maybe not, but he's still showing week-in, week-out that he can play at a high level with his Southampton form pre-injury looking good. Six goals and seven assists this season and even at 32 he's played 45 times, so there's no sign of slowing down.