Celtic activity heats up, Rangers close in on duo, Bowie eyed for major deal - Scottish transfer news

In your Tuesday morning transfer bulletin, we’ve got the latest news from Celtic, Rangers, Dundee United and the Scotland national team as we keep you up to date with all the latest transfer headlines in the top flight and beyond.

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Dundee United move for midfielder

Dundee United look ready to strengthen their engine room ahead of this week’s league opener against Rangers after striking up a loan deal for left-back Abdoulaye Yoro. The 19-year-old is available on loan from Turkish outfit Basaksehir this summer, and the two clubs are reported to have reached an agreement on a deal that would see the Ivorian spend the next season at Tannadice. However, with the deal subject to a visa being granted, Jim Goodwin’s side face a race against time to register him before the clash with the Gers.

Elsewhere, a deal for Philadelphia Union left-back Philippe Ndinga appears to be dead in the water after the player’s head was turned by Zulte Waregem, who recently appointed former Rangers boss Michael Beale. The Tangerines were understood to have agreed a season-long loan deal for the defender, pending MLS approval. However, with the deal yet to be rubber-stamped, the Belgian outfit have swooped for the 21-year-old, and the player’s camp has now revealed that Ndinga’s preference is to move to the Elindus Arena.

Bowie eyed for major deal

Hellas Verona striker Kieron Bowie could be set for a major move this summer, with Sassuolo ready to return with an improved bid for the Scotland international after seeing their advances rejected earlier in the window.

Bowie, 23, moved to the Serie A side from Hibs for a fee of £7million during the winter transfer window and, despite being unable to prevent them from being relegated, made a strong impression in Italy by finding the net four times in his first 14 appearances. One of several Scotland internationals currently playing in Italy, the 6ft 4in frontman was reported to be courting interest from Cagliari and Bologna, while Scottish champions Celtic were also strongly credited with a move.

Reports earlier in the window had indicated that the Gialloblu were determined to hang on to their star man as they looked to make an immediate return to the top flight, and had slapped a £13million price tag on his head to warn off potential suitors. However, reports in Italy now claim that an offer of around £9million could signal a sale, and that Sassuolo are prepared to match the asking price for him.

Celtic activity heats up

Celtic are closing in on a deal for Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh, with the Danish international passing a medical ahead of a £11million transfer - and manager Martin O’Neill is targeting further additions as transfer activity heats up at Parkhead. Hogh, 25, is expected to pen a contract until the summer of 2029 with the Scottish champions after the two clubs agreed a record deal over the weekend, and he will become the club’s second arrival of the summer following the signing of Camilo Duran from Qarabag earlier this month.

With official confirmation of Hogh’s signing expected soon, Celtic are now pressing on with further additions as they look to bolster O’Neill’s squad ahead of their season opener against Dundee next week. Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur is one of the names linked to the club, although the German outfit have confirmed that their £4million bid for the 22-year-old was rejected over the weekend, with the club looking to stand firm over their valuation of the player.

Celtic are also keen on a deal for Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan, though reports over the weekend that a deal was ‘close’ appear to have been exaggerated. The Egyptian has a £10million release clause, but with his contract expiring next summer, Celtic are hopeful of paying less for his services. Elsewhere, reports in Italy indicate that Matteo Cancellieri is on the Hoops shopping list, while former left-back Greg Taylor could return to the club, with PAOK boss Alessio Lisci stating the defender is not part of his plans for the upcoming campaign.

Rangers close in on duo

Rangers are hopeful of completing more deals before their Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee United on Friday, as head coach Derek McInnes continues his summer spending spree at Ibrox. The 55-year-old boss has already added seven new faces to his squad during pre-season, but wants more in the door as he looks to build a squad capable of competing for the title,

Speaking after the pre-season draw with West Ham United at the weekend, McInnes said he was hopeful of two new additions, and one of them appears to be Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya. The 22-year-old formed part of South Africa’s squad at the World Cup this summer, and has been linked to sides in the EFL Championship, while Genk had a bid rejected earlier in the window, but is now closing in on a move to Ibrox, with the club looking to tie up a deal of around £3million in the next 48 hours.

McInnes is also targeting Brighton winger Amario Cozier-Duberry this month, though it is unlikely a deal will be done before this week’s curtain-raiser. The 21-year-old spent last season on loan to Bolton Wanderers in EFL League One, scoring ten goals and assisting ten more, as the Trotters gained promotion to the English second tier via the playoffs.

Belgian side Anderlecht had a £5million bid booted out for the attacker earlier this month, while West Ham and Hull City are monitoring the player’s situation at the AMEX Stadium. However, reports claim that Rangers are now advancing on a deal for the youngster, with the Daily Record saying that ‘official discussions’ have started over a potential deal.