Rangers given update, Celtic door opened, Scotland man 'close' to move - Scottish transfer news

In your Thursday morning transfer bulletin, we’ll be bringing you all the latest news from around the country, with reports from Rangers, Celtic, the Scotland national team and beyond.

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St Mirren exit confirmed

St Mirren has confirmed that defender Miguel Freckleton has completed a move to Austrian champions LASK for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old played a major role for the Paisley outfit last season as they won the Premier Sports Cup with a 3-1 win over Celtic, playing over 40 times for the club after joining from Sheffield United for a six-figure fee.

However, after an impressive debut season at the SMiSA Stadium, the young centre-back has interest from the continent, and St Mirren have now confirmed Freckleton has departed the club to move to the Austrian Bundesliga via a statement on their official website, which read: “The club has secured an undisclosed fee with significant future add-ons and a sell-on clause. With a year remaining on his Saints deal, Miguel made clear his desire to take on a new challenge with the Austrian Champions. We sincerely thank Miguel for his contributions. He departs with the best wishes of everyone at St Mirren Football Club.”

Scotland man ‘closes in’ on surprise switch

Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn is set to make a surprise switch to Major League Soccer side San Jose Earthquakes, according to a report from The Athletic’s Tom Bogert. The 30-year-old has recently left Nottingham Forest, where he played just one league game, upon the expiry of his contract, and has been tentatively linked with a move to Manchester United in some quarters as a potential third choice goalkeeper.

However, it appears the pull of regular first team football will now see him move Stateside as the 25-cap goalkeeper moves closer to a deal that would kick off a domino effect at PayPal Park. Gunn, who played all three of Scotland’s group games at the World Cup, is set to replace Brazilian goalkeeper Daniel at the club, with FC Dallas reported to have agreed to a deal that would see them acquire him from San Jose, though the deal is said to be contingent on them complete a deal for former Norwich City man Gunn in the coming days.

Celtic handed midfielder hope

Celtic could revive their interest in Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Alfie Devine, with his expected move to Preston North End appearing to have hit a snag. The 21-year-old was named as a target for manager Martin O’Neill during the January transfer window, only for those links to cool after Preston, where he spent last season on loan, were said to have activated their option to buy him permanently in late May.

However, with a deal yet to be completed, reports now claim a potential issue over personal terms. Following the delay, renewed interest in Devine from several clubs has been reignited, with Celtic well placed to make their move for the player.

Devine scored eight goals and assisted a further eight more in a standout season at Deepdale last year, and Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom admitted the club would do all they could in order to seal a £6million deal at the end of the last campaign. According to several reports, Preston’s option to buy expired on Wednesday, leaving other clubs able to swoop in and make a counteroffer.

Rangers given update

Rangers have made contact with Italian outfit Bologna over Lewis Ferguson but have been warned that a deal for the Scotland international will be difficult to pull off, according to reports in Italy. The 26-year-old, who helped the Serie A side end their 51-year trophy drought by winning the Coppa Italia last year, is a target for Ibrox head coach Derek McInnes, with Ferguson viewed as a potential marquee signing this summer.

The Glasgow giants have already signed Ferguson’s international teammates Lawrence Shankland and Ross McCrorie in recent weeks, while they’ve added Ben Godfrey, Dan Neil and goalkeeper Ivor Pandur to the squad in the last week as part of a major squad overhaul. However, after making direct contact with the Rossoblu over their skipper, Rangers have been warned that it will take a major offer to prize him away from Northern Italy, with a bid of around £17million required to spark a move.

McInnes, who signed Ferguson from Hamilton during his time as manager of Aberdeen, wants to reunite with the midfielder if possible. He could look to sacrifice Nico Raskin as part of any potential deal, with Bologna understood to want to bring the Belgium international to the Renato Dall'Ara Stadium.