As we move into the closing days of the transfer window, matters are heating up as clubs aim to strengthen their squads across the Scottish Premiership and further afield.
In Thursday morning’s transfer briefing, we round up the latest updates involving Celtic, Hibs, Rangers, the Scotland national team and more:
Livi ready to approve Carey switch
Livingston are prepared to let midfielder Graham Carey depart on loan this month in a bid to secure more consistent playing time. The 36-year-old joined from St Johnstone in the summer after the club’s return to the Scottish Premiership, but has made only two starts, with David Martindale’s men currently anchored to the foot of the table.
Having not featured at all in West Lothian since late November, he is now expected to finalise a loan move to Scottish Championship outfit Dunfermline Athletic. Sitting fourth, Neil Lennon’s side are pushing for a return to the top flight and will be strengthened by the arrival of the seasoned playmaker, who previously lifted the Scottish League Cup with St Mirren.
Rangers willing to sanction departure
Rangers are open to allowing summer recruit Joe Rothwell to leave following a disappointing first half of the campaign at Ibrox. The 31-year-old arrived from AFC Bournemouth on a three-year contract but failed to make a strong impression and has not started a league match since head coach Danny Rohl took charge in October.
Touted for an exit since the new year, reports suggest Sheffield United have emerged victorious in the pursuit of his signature, with Chris Wilder’s side beating off interest from Derby County and Wrexham to secure the former Leeds United midfielder on a permanent basis.
Elsewhere, Rangers are hesitant to let Finland international Oliver Antman leave this month despite reported interest from Feyenoord. Signed for £3.5million from Go Ahead Eagles just six months ago, the 24-year-old has struggled to influence proceedings, starting only six league matches due to injury setbacks and inconsistent form. Nevertheless, he continues to be highly regarded in the Eredivisie based on his previous performances at De Adelaarshorst. According to The Rangers Review, Rohl is keen to retain Antman for the remainder of the season and intends to make use of him within the squad.
Bowie closing in on European switch
Kieron Bowie may be on the verge of becoming the latest Scotland international to secure a move to Serie A after claims that Hibs have accepted a significant offer from Hellas Verona. The Easter Road club had anticipated winter interest in their prolific striker, with both Celtic and Rangers believed to be considering potential bids for the 23-year-old.
Paolo Zanetti’s side submitted the first formal approach, with an initial offer of around £5million turned down earlier this week. However, the Italian club have persisted, and the Scottish Sun now reports that the two sides are nearing an agreement on a deal worth approximately £6million plus add-ons.
Head coach David Gray is also hopeful of adding Sligo Rovers teenager Owen Elding before Monday’s deadline after reaching an agreement for the 19-year-old. However, the potential loss of Bowie looms large, with a long-term contract on the table at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium.
In addition, reports indicate Coventry City midfielder Kai Andrews has agreed a loan move to Hibs, with the Leith-based club said to have beaten off competition from several English sides to land the highly rated 19-year-old.
Celtic compete with Premier League club for defender
Celtic are set to go head-to-head with Premier League outfit Sunderland in the race to sign Italian left-back Antonino Gallo, according to Pete O’Rourke. The Lecce defender has 18 months remaining on his current contract and has attracted interest from a number of European clubs after impressing in Serie A.
Both clubs are reportedly seeking defensive reinforcements ahead of the deadline and see Gallo as a dependable and experienced option. Celtic have been unable to rely on loanee Marcelo Saracchi for much of the season due to his injury-plagued spell at Parkhead.
After already bringing in Julian Araujo on loan from AFC Bournemouth earlier in the window following Alistair Johnston’s long-term injury, the Hoops are now believed to be targeting Gallo to provide cover for Kieran Tierney on the opposite flank.
Offer submitted for Celtic target
Celtic forward target Kasper Hogh could be heading to Norwich City to reunite with former Rangers manager Philippe Clement after the Championship side reportedly submitted a bid of £7million plus add-ons for the Bodo/Glimt striker. The Danish attacker secured a UEFA Champions League play-off place for the Norwegian club last night by scoring the second goal in a surprise 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid, but that may have been his final appearance after Fabrizio Romano reported that negotiations are ongoing over a move to Carrow Road.
Head coach Martin O’Neill is said to be eager to complete a deal for the 25-year-old, who has been identified as Celtic’s primary target in the closing stages of the window. However, the Scottish champions have yet to table an official offer.
Speaking to the Market Madness podcast, Bodo/Glimt managing director Frode Thomassen addressed the situation, stating: “We don’t have to sell anyone but if the offer is good and the player would like to go of course we will judge it and see. I think Kasper enjoys playing in Bodo but we will see. There are two big ways in football to earn money. One of them is performance on the pitch and one is to sell players.”