Former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley has ended speculation about his future after his move to French club Nice was made official on Sunday.

Both Celtic and Rangers have been mentioned as potential suitors for the 28-year-old over the past week after he was made available on a free transfer.

The two Glasgow clubs were reportedly made aware of the Barkley’s interest in making the switch to Scotland, but it is believed that Nice were always the firm favourites to secure the England international’s signature.

After the Hoops signed two midfielders in Rubin Kazan duo Sead Haksabanovic and Oliver Abildgaard, it always seemed very unlikely that Barkley would be snapped up as well.

Following Celtic’s 4-0 hammering of Rangers at the weekend, Ange Postecoglou’s side look very well equipped for another title challenge, and we will see how they fare in Europe when they take on Real Madrid at home on Tuesday night.