Rangers 'step up' interest, Celtic target World Cup star, ex-Hibs star 'enquiry' - Scottish transfer news
All the latest Scottish transfer news on Monday morning - including reports from Rangers, Celtic, Dundee United and beyond.
The Scottish Premiership summer transfer window is officially open, meaning transfer news, reports and rumours are fully underway as clubs across the country look to add those required addition ahead of the new campaign.
In Monday morning’s transfer bulletin, we’ve got the latest transfer reports from Celtic, Rangers, Dundee United and beyond.
Dundee United close in on EPL starlet
Dundee United are hopeful of completing a deal for Northern Ireland international Michael Forbes following his release from West Ham United this summer. According to a report from the Courier, head coach Jim Goodwin has agreed a two-year contract, with the club holding an option of an additional 12-month extension, pending a medical.
Capped once at international level, the 22-year-old defender has spent four years with the recently relegated East London outfit, where he has capped their academy sides in competitions such as the EFL Trophy. However, with his pathway towards the Hammers’ senior side blocked, both club and player opted to part ways this summer, allowing the Tannadice side to pounce.
Should the formalities of Forbes’ move be completed in the coming days, he will become the club’s sixth summer signing following the arrivals of Jesse Randall, Joshua Rawlins, Lachie Rose, Jack Walton and Dylan Tait earlier this month. Meanwhile, Dundee United midfielder Julius Eskesen is attracting interest from Swedish top-flight club GAIS after failing to make an impact in his debut season for the club.
Celtic target second World Cup star
Celtic are reportedly keeping tabs on Herzegovina international Ivan Basic as they prepare for major interest in key midfielder Arne Engels this summer. The Scottish champions are bracing themselves for offers for the Belgian international now that the transfer window has reopened, with English Premier League pair Nottingham Forest and Sunderland said to be preparing a £25million bids for the player, who scored seven goals and assisted a further eight as Celtic won a domestic double last season.
Last week, it was suggested that Martin O’Neill’s side had interest in Herzegovina and Brondby midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic, but reports are now emerging that they are also keeping tabs on international teammate Basic, with both currently playing for their national team at this summer’s World Cup. Basic, who currently plays his club football for Kazakhstan top-flight side Astana, is reported to be on Celtic’s shortlist of potential replacements for Engels, with the club currently ‘monitoring’ his performance at the tournament in North America.
‘Inquiries’ made for ex-Hibs star
Former Hibs striker Kieron Bowie could be set for a shock return to the Scottish Premiership just six months after making a £7million move to the Serie A with Hellas Verona. The Scottish striker, who missed out on a place in Steve Clarke’s World Cup squad, departed Easter Road during the winter transfer window, but was unable to stop his side from being relegated to the Italian second tier despite scoring four times for his new side.
However, according to reports in Italy, the powerful 23-year-old marksman could be set for a sensational return to his homeland after Celtic made ‘preliminary inquiries’ with Hellas Verona over a deal for the player. It is claimed that contact has now been made between the two clubs over a transfer for the player, with a move possible due to their relegation to Serie B.
Rangers ‘step up’ interest
Rangers are stepping up their interest in Westerlo right-back Bryan Reynolds as they look to bolster their defence ahead of the new campaign. The American defender emerged as a target for the Ibrox giants last week, though it was understood that their initial £2.2million bid was rebuffed by the Belgian Pro League side.
However, according to a report from journalist Larry Henry Jr, the club are now ready to return with a second offer for the player, as they look to team him up with former teammate Tuur Rommens, who Rangers signed for a fee of £3.5million in January.
Starting his career with North Dallas in the United States, Reynolds has been capped four times by his national side, and also spent two seasons with AS Roma in Serie A prior to his move to Westerlo in 2022. Reynolds, 24, has just 12 months left on his contract with Westerlo, and Rangers are now ready to ‘step up’ their interest in the player by launching an improved bid for him this week.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.