Rangers receive interest, Celtic enquire for 49-goal hitman, Scotland international signs new deal - Scottish transfer news

These are the latest reports from Rangers, Celtic, Kilmarnock, and beyond.

Ex-Rangers kid in demand amid international switch

Former Rangers youngster Robbie Ure is being chased by two sides on the continent following his impressive debut season with Swedish outfit Sirius FK. The Scottish youngster bagged 11 goals for the Uppsala-based team after joining the club from Anderlecht last March, and has caught the attention of Red Bull Salzburg and Polissya Zhytomyr, with the former having already launched a bid for the 21-year-old.

According to a report from Ben Jacobs, the Ukrainian side has seen a bid of € 1.5million rejected, but is expected to return with an improved offer of € 2.5million in order to secure his signature. In further news, the hitman is reportedly in the process of gaining Ukrainian citizenship, with the player possibly being considered for selection, as he is eligible to play through his grandfather.

Kilmarnock play down loan deal

Kilmarnock head coach Neil McCann has downplayed talk of a potential loan move for Rangers teenager Findlay Curtis, claiming it would be “disrespectful” to discuss the player’s future publicly. The 19-year-old is widely expected to depart Ibrox on a temporary deal, with Kilmarnock and clubs in the Scottish Championship tipped to make offers for the player before the winter transfer window shuts.

While McCann conceded he’d like to add to his Rugby Park squad this month, he dismissed a rumoured move for Curtis, who he worked alongside last season during his spell as interim coach at Rangers, as unlikely.

“I think they group that I've got in there could be doing with a wee bit of help,” said McCann. “I would like to think we might get one or two over the line. No, that [Curtis] is not one that I see happening right now. We've got targets. You'll get the same answer from me that you'll get from every other manager. I think it's quite disrespectful to talk about somebody else's player. There's always going to be rumours, I can't stop that, particularly with social media these days.”

Scotland starlet makes Euro move

Scotland youth international Adedire Mebude has departed Westerlo after agreeing a multi-year deal with Turkish Super Lig side Rizespor. The former Rangers academy product had spent the last two seasons with the Belgian outfit, playing 33 times following his move from Manchester City in 2021, where he was previously named the Cityzens’ academy player of the season.

Eligible to represent both England and Nigeria, the 21-year-old has represented Scotland at various youth levels, scoring four goals for Scot Gemmill’s under-21 side, where he has featured regularly. Mebude has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at the Rize City Stadium and will go straight into the squad for Monday’s game with Goztepe.

Elsewhere, Leeds United teenager Harry Gray, grandson of former Scotland international Frank Gray, has completed a loan move to EFL League One strugglers Rotherham United. Gray, 17, has represented England under-17’s in recent months, but is eligible to represent Scotland alongside his brother Archie, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur.

Scotland international signs new deal

Motherwell have confirmed that veteran defender Stephen O’Donnell has penned a new contract at Fir Park that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2027. The Scotland international has been a consistent performer since arriving at the club from Kilmarnock five-and-a-half years ago, making over 200 appearances for the club, while also representing the national team at the European Championship in 2021.

“There was no doubt that I wanted to extend my deal here, and I’m glad to get my future sorted,” said O’Donnell. “I’ve been through so much in my time at Motherwell, and this is a great place to be just now. The club has been making real strides on and off the pitch and is moving in an upward trajectory. I will do my utmost best to produce good performances and results on the pitch.

“The support I have been receiving this season has been appreciated. It drives you on and gives you extra motivation to do well. I want to thank everyone for their support. We’re now in a crucial part of the season, so I’ll focus on the matches ahead, and hopefully the team continues to perform at a high standard.”

Rangers receive Tavernier interest

Rangers captain James Tavernier is a target of Panathinaikos, with the Greek giants ready to launch an ambitious bid for the 34-year-old. The long-serving defender has entered the final six months of his deal at Ibrox, and Rafa Benitez’s side are said to be mulling over a move that would see the defender link up with former Ibrox teammate Cyriel Dessers in Athens.

According to a report from the Daily Mail, the ex-Liverpool manager has identified the veteran Rangers star as someone he’d like to bring in on a pre-contract deal. An icon of the club, Tavernier has scored an astonishing 138 goals in all competitions since joining Rangers from Wigan Athletic back in 2015, but could make an emotional departure this summer unless a new deal is agreed for the full-back.

Celtic enquire for 49-goal hitman

Celtic have enquired about West Ham United striker Callum Wilson as they look to bolster their frontline, according to a report from Sky Sports. The ex-Newcastle United striker scored 49 goals at St James Park before moving to the London Stadium in the summer upon the expiry of his Magpies’ contract.

Despite finding the net four times in just eight English Premier League starts this season, Wilson has dropped down the pecking order in East London, with head coach Nuno Espírito Santo not including him in the matchday squad for the last two games against Queens Park Rangers and Nottingham Forest.

The Scottish champions are interested in discovering the 33-year-old’s interest in moving to Celtic Park, with several other clubs in England and Saudi Arabia ready to launch a move for Wilson. The striker is expected to leave The Hammers after less than six months at the club.

Sign up to The Scotsman’s daily football newsletter to get unrivalled Scottish football news and analysis - subscribe for free here.