Celtic step up interest, Rangers consider multiple exits, Motherwell calm on star man - Scottish transfer news
All the latest Scottish transfer news on Monday morning - including reports from Celtic, Rangers, Motherwell, Hibs and beyond.
The Scottish Premiership transfer deadline closes in just 10 days, meaning managers across the country are now really into the final days when it comes to adding to their squad - and the completed deals, reports and rumours are certainly ramping up!
In your Monday morning transfer bulletin, we’ve got the all the latest news from Celtic, Rangers, Motherwell, Hibs and beyond.
Motherwell ace’s future addressed
Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson admits clubs will “always be interested” in players performing well amid growing transfer speculation surrounding midfielder Lukas Fadinger. The Austrian has performed well in the opening weeks of the new season, scoring three goals and assisting two more, which has linked him with a move away from Fir Park.
Having lost two key performers from last season in the shape of Elijah Wood and Elliot Watt, new head Johansson admits good form will mean Motherwell receive interest from other clubs, but has revealed why he feels calm about his future as the September 3 deadline approaches.
“If I should read everything, all the interest in all of our players because they are performing so good,” said Johansson. “I would also lose track of my job description. I don't really have much to say about that. What I can say is that we have a lot of good players and there will always be clubs interested, 100%. Everyone likes a pat on their back when they're doing well. Everyone likes a bit of praise. For me, Lukas is a cool guy. I don't think he cares. He's so grounded, and he's so focused on himself and a calm guy.”
Hibs agree striker deal
Hibs have confirmed the transfer of Charleston Battery striker Colton Swan, with the teenager penning a deal at Easter Road that will see him arrive upon the conclusion of the USL Championship in January. The under-19 international leads the scoring charts for the second-tier outfit with 11 goals in all competitions, but will swap the Patriots Point Soccer Stadium for Easter Road in the new year after the two clubs reached an agreement on a permanent transfer. David Gray’s side are reported to have paid a six-figure fee for Swan, with a sell-on clause included in the deal.
Standing at 6ft 2in tall, the 19-year-old is viewed as one of the United States’ most promising young stars, and is vital for his side’s hopes of winning the USL playoffs this season. Formerly with collegiate side, the Indiana Hoosiers, he penned his first professional contract with the Battery earlier this year, before exploding onto the scene with a host of key goals for his new side.
“We’re really pleased to have agreed a deal for Colton, said head coach Gray. “He’s a talented young striker who is certainly one for the future, and we feel he has attributes that will suit Scottish football. He’s quick, direct and works incredibly hard for the team - and he’s got a real hunger to develop and improve his game. He’ll finish the season with Charleston, and then we look forward to welcoming him to Easter Road later this year.”
Rangers consider multiple exits
Rangers are ready to allow several first-team stars to depart ahead of the transfer deadline after a summer of change under new head coach Derek McInnes. The Ibrox boss has been extremely busy since being appointed as the club’s new manager, bringing in a total of 11 new signings, meaning numerous players will move on to pastures new if a suitable offer arrives in the next 10 days.
The club held further discussions over an £8.5million move for Girona winger Kim Min-su over the weekend, as they look to strengthen further. However, the focus will also be on outgoings, with the transfer deadline now in the rearview mirror.
Clubs on the continent are interested in Nico Raskin, who impressed at the World Cup with Belgium this summer. Meanwhile, midfielders Connor Barron and Lyall Cameron also have interest in their services, with the former linked to clubs in Italy and Spain. John Souttar has been left out of the club's European squad and informed that he can leave Rangers this summer, while fringe stars Clinton Nsiala and Ross McCausland are free to move on, with neither in McInnes’ plans for the future.
Celtic step up interest
Celtic are ready to step up their interest in Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis this week, with the club looking to make their move for the player following their Champions League playoff with LASK. Martin O’Neill’s men are major favourites to qualify, and will switch their attention to additions ahead of the transfer deadline once their place in the competition is rubber-stamped.
In the market for additions in their engine room following the £22million sale of Arne Engels to West Ham United, the Scottish champions have been strongly linked to Lithuanian international Gineitis throughout the summer, with Hadjuk Split midfielder Niko Sigur also understood to be of interest following his impressive performances for Canada at the World Cup this summer. Viktoria Plzen playmaker Cheick Souare has also been mentioned as a potential addition.
Meanwhile, Celtic youngster Erskine Rennie has signed for Fulham on a three-year contract after the English Premier League registered the player and applied for a minor’s application with FIFA. The 16-year-old has been granted an international transfer certificate to register the player with the FA, and Celtic will now be due training compensation, which is reported to be around £80,000.
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