Celtic target three, Rangers Joel Piroe latest, ex-Man City kid linked - Scottish transfer news
All the latest Scottish transfer headlines on Friday morning, with reports from Celtic, Rangers, St Mirren, Aberdeen and beyond.
As we enter the final weekend of the Scottish transfer window, things are beginning to get very interesting as clubs look to bolster their squads in the Scottish Premiership and beyond
In your Friday morning’s transfer bulleting, we’ve got the latest reports from Celtic, Hibs, Rangers, St Mirren and beyond:
Aberdeen signing reveals ‘dream’
Aberdeen have announced the signing of Kaiserslautern midfielder Afeez Aremu on a two-and-a-half-year deal, with the player in line to make his debut in this weekend’s clash with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. The club’s second signing of the transfer following the capture of goalkeeper Per Kristian Bratveit from Stromsgodset last week, the 26-year-old has previously worked with Dons sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel at St Pauli, and believes his move to Pittodrie can provide a stepping stone towards the English Premier League.
“Everyone knows me as an aggressive player and nasty on the pitch,” said Aremu. “Always going into duels and never missing them. I am the kind of player who always wants to give everything against opponents and for the fans also. That is one of my strengths, I can also shoot from far and make long passes on both sides.
“I am glad to be here and ready to shed my blood on the pitch. I am growing up and moving forward in my career so coming to Aberdeen it is way closer to the Championship and the Premier League. So nobody knows what’s going to happen, it’s huge for my career to be in Aberdeen.”
St Mirren bolster squad
St Mirren are on the verge of completing a move for former Manchester City academy product Edward Francis, according to a report from the Daily Record. The 26-year-old midfielder currently plays for EFL League One side Exeter City, but has made just nine appearances this season, despite playing regularly at St James Park following his arrival from Gateshead last summer.
A former England youth international, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man is said to have been identified by Buddies boss Stephen Robinson, who is desperate to add numbers to his squad following their recent poor form. A creative player capable of playing in the number six role, the Buddies will hope his playmaking abilities can help them pull clear of the drop zone, with the side currently third bottom of the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers bid for youngster
Rangers have seen a bid for Rwandan international Hakim Sahabo rejected, according to reports in Belgium. The 20-year-old winger is expected to leave Standard Liege after struggling for regular game time, and is believed to have been identified as a potential option for head coach Danny Rohl as he looks to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.
While Rangers already have Djeidi Gassama, Findlay Curtis, Oliver Antman, and Mikey Moore capable of playing on the wings, it is claimed that the Glasgow giants had looked to add to their options further, with a bid just shy of £1million made for Sahabo. However, the move appears dead in the water for the Ibrox outfit, with the youngster in line to sign for AEK Athens in a deal worth around £1.3million.
Celtic target three
Celtic have lined up a trio of attacking targets ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline. It is believed that manager Martin O’Neill wants to add a winger to his ranks and has identified Frosinone star Fares Ghedjemis as a primary target. The Frenchman has scored eight goals and assisted two more in Serie B this season, and the Scottish Sun claim that the Hoops are prepared to part with a figure of £6.5million in order to land the 23-year-old. However, should Celtic fail in their efforts to sign Ghedjemis, they have lined up two others in order to bolster their options.
Rumoured Rangers target Damir Redzic has been eyed as an exciting backup option by the club, with Dunajska Streda understood to be prepared to allow him to leave if a bid matches their asking price, while Crystal Palace youngster Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is also a viable alternative option following his return to Selhurst Park from his loan stint with Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig.
Celtic boss O’Neill admitted that he’s hoping to conclude some deals in the aftermath of the 4-2 win over FC Utrecht on Thursday night, saying: “We know that we need to supplement the squad. We need a wee bit of quality as well to help. Particularly with the extra games now.”
Joel Piroe latest
Moving back to Rangers, the club look to have received a blow in their quest to lure Dutch striker Joel Piroe to Ibrox this month. The Leeds United hitman bagged 19 goals as the Elland Road club stormed to the EFL Championship title last season, but has struggled for regular game time since their promotion to the English Premier League.
Reports yesterday claimed that Rangers had made the 26-year-old a priority target in a loan deal, should their protracted move for Hansa Rostock striker Ryan Naderi continue to stall. However, having already turned down moves to promotion chasers Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town, Piroe now looks set to reject any move to Glasgow in order to fight for his place under Danny Farke in the English top flight.
Meanwhile, Brazilian forward Danilo looks set to depart the club this month after reports claimed the club had sanctioned a loan move to NEC Nijmegen. The 26-year-old joined Rangers three seasons ago, but has endured an injury-hit spell in Govan and now looks set for a fresh start.
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