Rangers midfielder wanted, ex-Man Utd star tipped for Celtic, Aberdeen motivation revealed - Scottish transfer news

In Friday morning’s transfer bulletin, we’ve got the latest transfer reports from Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen and beyond.

Livingston target 26 y/o defender

Livingston are weighing up a deal for former Macedonian Under-21 international Besir Iseni as they look to rebuild their squad following relegation to the Scottish Championship. Set to play in the second tier next season, the club recently appointed former Hearts and Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan as their new manager after the resignation of Marvin Bartley last month.

According to a report from the Daily Record, the Almondvale club are now hoping to tie up a deal for Dukagjini centre-back Iseni, as they look for defensive reinforcements to replace outgoing pair Danny Wilson and Daniel Finlayson, who have been signed for recently promoted St Johnstone. A reported target for Hibs last season, the 26-year-old would become Livingston’s seventh signing of the summer if a deal can be wrapped up, following the arrivals of Sam Nicholson, Jack Wilkie, Cammy Palmer, Liam Polworth, Tyrese Sinclair and Jordan Doherty.

Aberdeen motivation revealed

Former Kilmarnock midfielder Brad Lyons admits the motivation behind his decision to switch Rugby Park for Aberdeen this summer was born out of his ambition to represent Northern Ireland on the international stage more regularly. The 29-year-old opted to sign a two-year deal to join Stephen Robinson’s side at Pittodrie following the expiry of his contract with Scottish Premiership rivals Kilmarnock, and he is hoping that he can lead the Dons to a more successful season and, in turn, nail down a starting spot for his national side.

“It was massive to play for Northern Ireland,” said Lyon. “Making my debut was the pinnacle of my career. It’s something I always wanted to do so when I started at Windsor Park it fulfilled all my dreams. I want to work hard for Aberdeen to keep going and hopefully get as many caps as possible. It was a huge experience being at the game with Italy, we were unlucky and gave a good account of ourselves. “Those experiences drive you at club level, hopefully it stands me in good stead.”

Celtic deal ‘not expected’ to happen

Celtic are not expected to pursue a deal for popular right-back Julian Araujo after his loan move from AFC Bournemouth last season. The Mexican full-back become a fan favourite during his short stint at the club, but was forced to miss the final two months of the season with a thigh problem that also subsequently ruled him out of the World Cup this summer with co-hosts Mexico.

While Alistair Johnston’s return from a long-standing hamstring issue meant Araujo’s absence wasn’t felt too deeply, sections of club’s support were hopeful a deal could be struck that would see him return to Parkhead on a permanent basis. However, it now looks like 24-year-old will move to Cruz Azul instead, with reports in Mexico claiming he has been ‘seduced’ by a move to La Maquina, after seeing his Celtic ‘adventure’ end on a disappointing note.

Under contract with England Premier League side AFC Bournemouth until the summer 2029, having originally signed a five-year deal with the Cherries in August 2024, meaning Cruz Azul must pay a fee in order to bring him to Liga MX.

Rangers midfielder wanted by duo

Rangers’ talented young midfielder Callum Adamson could be set for a summer loan move to the Scottish Premiership after his impressive campaign with Alloa Athletic last summer. The 18-year-old spent the entirety of the season away from Ibrox last year and made a strong impression in Scottish League One with the Wasps, where he bagged four goals and assisted three more.

However, with his pathway to the Rangers first team still blocked by the likes of Nico Raskin and Mohamed Diomande, the teenager is now reportedly being lined up for a temporary move to both Kilmarnock and St Mirren. The Gers prodigy has also attracted interest from English third-tier side Swindon Town.

Under contract in Govan until next summer, reports claim that Kilmarnock are frontrunners for Adamson, with fellow Rangers youngster Findlay Curtis having flourished following a loan spell there last season, while manager Neil McCann and assistant Billy Dodds have also already worked with him during the pair’s time in at the club as part of interim manager Barry Ferguson’s reign.

Ex-Man Utd star tipped for Celtic role

Ex-Manchester United and Republic of Ireland defender John O’Shea has been labelled as a ‘Celtic manager of the future’ by former teammate Wes Brown, who believes he has all the credentials needed to succeed at Parkhead. The Scottish champions confirmed the permanent appointment of 74-year-old manager Martin O’Neill on a one-year contract, and also held talks with Robbie Keane over the position last week, but ex-England international Brown thinks O’Shea would do well in the Celtic hotseat if ever given the opportunity.

Asked if O’Shea be a future manager of Celtic, Brown told Compare.bet: “Sheasy has been in coaching for quite a while now. He was assistant at Reading as well. But obviously he's gone into the Ireland set up and he's getting on with the job, and I think the main thing is he's gaining a lot of experience. I'm sure if you ask him, he'll hopefully one day step into the shoes of being a manager, once he feels he's ready.

“He would bring in so much experience from having been a player. He’s well respected in the game. I think he’d do a really good job. He’s learned from some of the best along the way, after all. He’s a very intelligent man. Obviously you need that football intelligence but it’s about how he holds himself, the way he speaks to people, and all the qualities you expect to see in a football manager, Sheasy’s got that in abundance.”

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