Rangers 'close the door', transfer 'agreed' amid Celtic links, Cantwell exit close - Scottish transfer news

Dundee United will aim to add new faces to their squad before the transfer window slams shut, head coach Jim Goodwin admits. The newly promoted outfit have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the campaign and took their first three points of the season at the weekend when they defeated St. Johnstone 2-0 at Tannadice. Despite their positive start though, Goodwin admits he ‘needs’ to add to his squad before Friday. “We need one in,” said the United boos. “We are talking to one or two at the moment about getting one in on loan. We have a bit of budget to do something. We have identified players who have ticked a lot of the boxes we are looking for to come in and support the players we have.”

Ex-Celtic hero ‘signs’

Former Hoops forward Jota is set to end his nightmare spell in the Saudi Pro League after Al Ittihad sanctioned a loan deal with Ligue 1 outfit Rennes. The French side are now aiming to complete the ‘formal steps’ as they look to seal the deal for ex-Celtic star, who left the club for £25million last summer. A serial trophy winner in Scotland, the 25-year-old was a key player for Ange Postecoglou during his time in Glasgow but has struggled in Saudi Arabia following his big money move, playing just 16 times. The Portuguese forward had been strongly linked to a departure in January, with West Ham United rumoured to hold a strong interest in the player, while Celtic themselves have been loosely linked to a reunion with Jota, who has an affinity with the club’s fanbase. However, as per Fabrizio Romano, he will now head to the French top flight for the season ahead.

Rangers duo’s EFL exit

Scott Wright is set to depart Rangers ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline after the club agreed a deal with Birmingham City for the winger. The 27-year-old, who was signed by ex-Gers boss Steven Gerrard in 2021, has already travelled to the Midlands with Sky Sports claiming his medical will take place today ahead of a move to St Andrews. Wright will be the second player to depart Ibrox for Birmingham following Ben Davies’ season-long loan move last week. The former Aberdeen star has scored 12 goals in 120 appearances during his time at the club, included the clinching second goal in the 2-0 Scottish Cup win over Hearts at Hampden in 2022. His wantaway team-mate Todd Cantwell also looks to be nearing the exit door, after several reports revealing he was close to moving to Blackburn Rovers. The EFL Championship club confirmed the loan signing of former Dundee left-back Owen Beck from Liverpool yesterday, who had been linked to both Rangers and Celtic in January, and are now ready to offer Cantwell a route out of Glasgow.

Gers ‘close the door’

Rangers will resist any late approaches for free-scoring striker Cyriel Dessers ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline, with the Nigerian expected to remain at Ibrox. The 29-year-old has played regularly under Philippe Clement this season, though there were murmurs the club would accept bids of around £4.5million for the player in order to raise funds for a squad rebuild. Earlier in the window, Atlanta United had shown interest in the forward, though the player himself is believed to have rejected the move. Despite intense speculation on his future throughout the window, it now appears the club will not be looking to sanction any sale this week, with Rangers making the decision to hold onto their first choice forward in the face of any late interest.

Celtic agree move for 20 y/o

Brendan Rodgers has added to his defensive options with the confirmed signing of Barcelona left-back Alex Valle on a season-long loan deal. The Hoops reached an agreement with the Spanish giants earlier this week before the defender flew to Glasgow to complete his medical tests ahead of his move to Celtic Park. Valle, 20, has been at the Nou Camp for a decade, featuring regularly for their B team after first joining the club aged just 10. A Spain under-20 international, he has significant experience of senior football having spent the last two seasons on loan to FC Andorra and Levante respectively. Valle was also named in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament in 2023 after a series of glittering performances at the tournament and will wear the number 11 shirt for Celtic. Elsewhere, the Bhoys are looking to test Augsburg’s resolve with a second bid of £9million for young starlet Arne Engels. The Bundesliga club rejected Celtic’s opening £6million offer, though it is thought the Belgian midfielder has agreed personal terms with the Hoops with the Scottish champions hoping to conclude a deal before Friday.