Celtic's £10m deal, Rangers move sanctioned, 33 y/o breaks silence on future - Scottish transfer news

Everton eye Celtic defender Johnston

Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston has emerged as a transfer target for Everton, according to multiple reports.

The English Premier League outfit’s boss David Moyes is said to be keen on Johnston, 27, who is one of Celtic’s most important players. The former CF Montreal man has been at Parkhead since 2023 and recently represented Canada at the World Cup.

Everton may have to pay in excess of £10 million for Johnston, who is contracted to Celtic until the summer of 2029.

Johnston missed a large chunk of last season due to a hamstring issue but played in all of his national team’s matches at the World Cup, reaching the last 16 of the tournament.

McGregor remains committed to Celtic

Callum McGregor reiterated that Celtic is “where I want to be” amid ongoing speculation linking the long-serving captain with a reunion with former boss Brendan Rodgers at Al Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia.

The 33-year-old has spent his entire career at Celtic Park bar a loan stint at Notts County in 2013-2014. McGregor said in April he wanted the club to match his ambition if he was to stay on as they laboured towards the William Hill Premiership title. He also switched agents during the summer.

However, the midfielder indicated in an interview with Sky Sports on Wednesday that he intends to remain at Celtic Park for the upcoming campaign, which kicks off at home to Dundee on Monday.

“Yes, absolutely,” he said. “Listen, this is a football club that’s been part of my whole life since I was eight, nine years old. It’s where I want to be. It’s where I want to play football. Ultimately, I want to keep driving everything that I possibly can to make sure this club is successful. Then eventually, the day that you do leave it, you want to leave it in a really good place.”

Antman leaves Rangers

Rangers have confirmed that winger Oliver Antman has completed his switch to Belgian side Anderlecht. The terms of the deal remain undisclosed, but it is understood that the Ibrox side have pocketed a fee in the region of £4 million.

Antman joined Rangers from Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles last summer but was unable to hold down a place in the first team and poor form and injuries combined to limit his game-time at Ibrox.

New head coach Derek McInnes was happy to sanction an exit for the 24-year-old as he has agreed a long-term contract in Brussels.

Rangers remain in the market for a new winger themselves and are also closing in on the signing of South African centre-half Olwethu Makhanya from Philadelphia Union.

United swoop for Bennie

Dundee United have added QPR winger Daniel Bennie to their squad ahead of Friday night’s Premiership curtain-raiser at home to Rangers.

An Australia youth internationalist with Scottish parents, 20-year-old Bennie joins on a season-long loan from the English Championship outfit.

“Daniel is a player we’ve been aware of for some time and we’re delighted to bring him to Dundee United,” said their manager Jim Goodwin. “He’ll provide another option for us going forward and add real strength and depth as we head into the season.

“Daniel is direct, and pacy and adds real versality across our front line. I can’t wait to get to work with him.”