There’s nothing quite like a good transfer story to get the adrenaline going – and thankfully, we have a lots of those today.
Huge money moves, big name transfers and the transfer window finally (finally!) open.
Here are today’s top stories…
Top Stories
- Caley Thistle manager Richie Foran says David Raven’s strong off-field influence was key to the right back being handed a six-month contract extension. (Press and Journal)
- Celtic right-back Mikael Lustig says it was easy to sign a two-year contract extension and the Sweden international is now eyeing up a treble. (Daily Record)
- After being left in the wilderness by Dundee United last summer, midfielder Ryan Dow feels wanted again by Ross County and is determined to get one over his former club in Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie. (Press and Journal)
- Red Bull Leipzig winger Oliver Burke believes Rangers’ Barrie McKay has the talent to win a big-money deal in England. (Various)
- Aberdeen midfielder Cammy Smith’s season-long loan at Dundee United could be cut short. (Press and Journal)
South of the Border
- Marseille are preparing a third bid for West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet, 29, after having a £20m offer rejected. (Sky Sports)
- Arsenal have rejected Juventus’ interest in Alexis Sanchez as they continue contract renewal talks with the 28-year-old forward. (Daily Mirror)
- Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, 35, is to retire from football when his Bayern Munich contract expires at the end of the season. (Bild)
- Aston Villa have had a £6m bid for Middlesbrough striker Jordan Rhodes, 26, rejected. (Daily Mail)
- Hull are close to signing Olympiakos’ 25-year-old right-back Omar Elabdellaoui. (Sky Sports)
- Former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in talks to become the next manager of Norway. (Romsdals Budstikke)
And Finally…
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has told Cardiff City they remain well short in their valuation of Reds midfielder Jonny Hayes after rejecting a second near-identical bid by the Bluebirds.
The offer is the same as the English Championship club’s initial one of £500,000 but structured differently, with a slightly bigger upfront payment.
The Dons swiftly rejected the offer and McInnes underlined the Pittodrie club will not allow the Republic of Ireland international, who has 18 months left on his contract, to leave on the cheap.