Celtic's £3m battle, Rangers linked to ‘emerging talent’, Hearts deal edges closer - Scottish transfer news

In your Monday morning transfer bulletin, we’ve got the latest transfer reports from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, and beyond:

Scottish starlet in high demand

Red-hot former Rangers academy ace Robbie Ure is a summer transfer target for a host of clubs after his explosive start to the campaign with IK Sirius. The 22-year-old forward has scored seven goals and assisted two more in the first ten games of the Allsvenskan, firing the Swedish outfit to the top of the division despite being tipped for a mid-table finish at the beginning of the campaign. However, IK Sirius are facing a real battle to hang on to the ex-Ibrox youngster as they launch an unlikely title bid, with clubs in England, France and Portugal ready to make a move for the player after his impressive spell in Uppsala.

According to a report from Ben Jacobs, the Scotland Under-21 international is ‘expected’ to leave the club in the coming weeks, with clubs in Europe having already begun tentative discussions over a transfer. Ure is viewed as one of the most exciting talents on the continent, and had been tipped for a potential call-up to Steve Clarke’s World Cup squad last month.

Major Hearts deal edges closer

Hearts are closing in on a move for Falkirk player of the year Calvin Miller, with reports claiming a deal could be completed in the next 48 hours. The 28-year-old winger enjoyed a stunning season for the Bairns last year, scoring seven goals and assisting a further nine as John McGlynn’s side sealed a top-half finish on their return to the top flight.

Linked with a move to Celtic during the winter transfer window, however, Falkirk have been bracing themselves for interest in their star man this summer as he enters the final 12 months of his contract with the club. Last month, it was claimed that Hearts head coach Derek McInnes was keen to add to his core of Scottish players and viewed Miller as a key addition if the two clubs could thrash out a deal. According to the Scottish Sun, talks over the transfer have progressed, and a deal for Miller could now be wrapped up as early as this week.

Rangers linked to ‘emerging talent’

Rangers are ready to rival several Premiership clubs for the signature of ‘emerging talent’ Milan Vitalis this summer after his outstanding season for Gyori ETO in the Hungarian top flight. The 24-year-old was linked with rivals Celtic and Aberdeen last month after his nine-goal haul helped the ETO Park outfit win the NB 1 title last season, and Hungarian outlet Oltozon Tul now claimed that all three Scottish clubs are battling for his signature.

Ibrox head coach Danny Rohl has been linked with several midfielders already this summer as he looks to revamp his midfield options following last season’s disappointing third-place finish, with Sunderland’s Dan Neil and Motherwell’s Elliot Watt named as two players the club holds a serious interest in.

It is believed that Vitalis could be one of several departures from Gyori ETO this summer, with the surprise departure of head coach Balazs Borbely set to trigger an exodus from the Hungarian champions. The player himself has already opened up the door to an exit this summer, and has also been linked to clubs in Czechia.

Celtic battle for £3m man

Celtic are ready to battle former Motherwell head coach Jens Berthel Askou for a key target as they look to bolster their defence in the summer transfer window. The Scottish champions are looking to add to their centre-back options in the coming weeks, and have long since identified Swedish defender Zinedin Smajlovic as a target.

Smajlovic, 22, has had an excellent start to the campaign with Sandefjord in the Norwegian top flight, and has also courted interest from Ligue 1 outfit Toulouse, who appointed Berthel Askou as manager on a three-year deal last month. One of the most highly rated young defenders in Scandinavia, Smajlovic is viewed as a modern, ball-playing centre-back with a physical presence that can contribute in both boxes.

According to Norwegian outlet TV2, the Sweden Under-21 international could depart the Jotun Arena this month, with both Celtic ready to pay a fee of £3million for his services. However, the Hoops face serious competition for the player, who is also eligible to play for Bosnia and Herzegovina internationally, and is also linked with Feyenoord and Champions League outfit Bodo-Glimt.

Meanwhile, reported Celtic transfer target Soufiane El-Faouzi is set to be offered a new contract by 2. Bundesliga champions Schalke. According to a report from Sky Germany, the club are ready to offer the £10million-rated midfielder a new four-year deal in order to fend off interest from clubs across Europe.

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