David Watson had been linked with Celtic earlier in the season, with reports before Christmas suggesting the club was monitoring the midfielder and potentially considering a pre-contract move. As his contract was expiring, there had been suggestions Celtic could attempt to acquire him for a relatively low price, despite Killie still being entitled to compensation. It remains unclear whether Celtic ever seriously intended to proceed with an attempt to sign Watson, but if there was genuine interest, they have now been surpassed in the effort to complete the deal.

David Watson's contract at Kilmarnock expires at the end of this season, meaning he will be a free agent in the summer, and both Celtic and Rangers are competing for him. Italian outlet Il Resto del Carlino reports that Bologna have also been making quiet inquiries about the possibility of bringing Watson to Serie A. The report adds that both Celtic and Rangers are also competing for the Scotsman.

A report from Football Insider states that Celtic are competing equally with Rangers to sign David Watson, with both clubs prepared to make a move in the summer. There is also interest in the Kilmarnock player from England and some unnamed clubs in Italy. Watson's aim is to play in the Champions League next season, so the outcome of the title race could influence whether he joins the club at Ibrox or Parkhead.

David Watson has been the subject of substantial interest, and Celtic is among the clubs monitoring him. It is said that both the Hoops and the Dons are considering moves in the summer when his contract expires, and clubs across Scotland and in other locations have been watching him closely. Killie will be due substantial compensation for their homegrown talent. Record Sport reported that a £500,000 bid from Bolton Wanderers was rejected during the January window. Watson said that he is not dealing with the interest and it is his agent who will do that.