It looks like there will be plenty of comings and goings in the final 11 days of the transfer window.
Celtic have been linked with moves to strengthen both their defence and attack, while it looks like Dundee United’s battle to hold onto their best young players faces another challenge from south of the border.
Meanwhile one Scotland cap could be heading to Paisley and another could be on his way to the English Championship.
Here’s a quick look at today’s top transfer stories…
- Reports in Portugal suggest that Celtic are considering a move for Maritimo forward Moussa Marega.
The Mali international, 24, has a €5m buy-out clause in his contract, while Sporting Lisbon have first option on the player, however Celtic sent scouts to watch him last weekend against Uniao de Madeira and have now reportedly opened discussions with Maritimo. (Daily Record)
- French outfit Lille and Premier League side Stoke are the latest clubs to join the race for the signature of Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk.
Southampton are still monitoring van Dijk’s situation, while Sunderland, Everton and Tottenham are amongst the clubs who have also reportedly shown interest in Celtic’s star man. (Express)
- Celtic are reportedly considering a move for West Brom defender Sebastien Pocognoli, 28.
The Belgian left back signed for the Premier League side last summer and got off to an impressive start at the Hawthorns, however, his fortunes turned when Tony Pulis took charge and he has been unable to force his way into the Welshman’s team.
Pulis is now willing to listen to offers for the defender and the Baggies are not believed to be looking for a particularly large fee. (Evening Times)
- Harry Souttar could be the latest talented youngster to leave Dundee United. Andrew Robertson, Gary Mackay-Steven, Stuart Armstrong and Ryan Gauld have all left in recent times and Southampton are now monitoring defender Souttar, 16, and may make a bid.
Harry’s brother John has also been watched by a number of clubs south of the border. (Evening Telegraph)
- Former Scotland defender Andy Webster could join St Mirren in the coming days. The Buddies have offered him a deal and manager Ian Murray hopes to have an answer from him by the end of the week. (The Herald)
- Hull City have moved closer to bringing Scotland midfielder Shaun Maloney back to the UK. The 32-year-old is playing in MLS for Chicago Fire, however, the Championship side have made a bid to sign him and boss Steve Bruce has now confirmed Maloney is “close to joining” the club. (Daily Mail)
Latest done deals
- Aberdeen have signed striker Josh Parker on loan from Serbian side Red Star Belgrade.
- St Mirren have signed defender Keith Watson until the end of the season.
- Dumbarton have signed St Johnstone midfielder Scott Brown on loan until January.
- St Johnstone defender Gareth Rodger has joined Northern Irish outfit Ballymena United on loan.
- Scotland Under-21 goalkeeper Jonathan Henly has signed for Ipswich Town.
And down south
- Chelsea have signed winger Pedro from La Liga giants Barcelona for £21m.
- After signing Pedro, Chelsea have offered Brazil midfielder Willian, 27, to Bayern Munich and Paris St-Germain. (Foot Mercato)
- Manchester City have signed Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi from Valencia in a £32m deal.
- Tottenham are looking to sign Victor Wanyama from Southampton and have opened talks with the South coast club. (Evening Standard)
- Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva looks set to join Besiktas on loan from Liverpool. (Sky Sports)
- Everton are closing in on the signing of River Plate defender Ramiro Funes Mori, 24, in a £5million deal. (Times)
- Manchester City will need to pay £57m if they want to sign Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, 24, from Wolfsburg. (Daily Mirror)
- West Ham have had a £3.5m bid for 30-year-old Turkey striker Burak Yilmaz rejected by Galatasaray. (London Evening Standard)
