Another day brings another Virgil van Dijk story – today, Ronny Deila admits his star man could be leaving but only if the deal is right for everyone involved.
Dundee United and Hibs are battling it out for the signature of former Caley Thistle man Billy Mckay, Scotland Under-21 forward Islam Feruz looks like he could be heading out on loan and Shaun Maloney has returned to the UK.
And in England it looks like Chelsea and Manchester City are both about to spend frightening sums of money.
Here’s a look at today’s top transfer tales…
- Reported Celtic target Kristoffer Ajer, 17, has cooled talk of a move away from IK Start.
Ajer has been hotly tipped for a move away from the Norwegian side and Celtic are said to be looking to snap him up. Earlier this month, Ajer’s Start team mate Espen Hoff said: “I believe he could develop to his potential in a club like Celtic, and grow into an asset for the club.”
However, Ajer has today played down talk of a move away and said he isn’t expecting to leave Start this year. (Aftenposten)
- Celtic have been dealt a transfer blow with the news that Aston Villa striker Libor Kozak has rejected the offer of a move to Parkhead.
Villa signed Kozak from Lazio for £7million two years ago but has been made available for a drastically reduced fee this summer and Celtic boss Ronny Deila was keen to bring him to Parkhead.
However, after seeing Celtic knocked out of the Champions League, Kozak has turned down a move to the Scottish Champions. (Daily Mail)
- Celtic boss Ronny Deila has admitted if the money is right, van Dijk will leave Parkhead.
The Hoops boss said: “He’s a top player but Celtic as a team is important. He’s under contract and we want to keep him. He has ambitions to take the next step in his career but it has to be right for everybody if that is to happen.” (Daily Record)
- Southampton are hoping to sign Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk within the next 48 hours.
The 24-year-old is expected to leave Parkhead for a fee between £8-10m after the Hoops were knocked out of the Champions League. (Daily Mail)
- Dundee United and Hibernian are battling for the signature of former Caley Thistle striker Billy Mckay. United have had an offer accepted by Wigan, while Hibs are also hoping to agree terms with the player and hope to convince the striker to move to the Scottish Championship. (Daily Record)
- English Championship clubs Bristol City, Leeds United and Wolves are competing to sign Scotland Under-21 forward Islam Feruz, 19, on loan from Chelsea. (Daily Mail)
Latest done deals
- Scotland midfielder Shaun Maloney has joined English Championship side Hull City from MLS outfit Chicago Fire.
- Former Ross County youngster Steven Ross has signed for Championship side Dumbarton.
- Marius Žaliūkas has left Rangers by mutual consent.
- Former Falkirk defender Stephen Kingsley has joined Crewe on loan from Swansea.
And down south
- West Ham club captain Kevin Nolan has left the club by mutual consent.
- Manchester City are confident they have agreed a deal to sign midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, 24, from Wolfsburg for £54m. (Guardian)
- Chelsea are confident of signing Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, 22, and Everton centre-back John Stones, 21, in the coming days. (Daily Mirror)
- Midfielder Joey Barton, 32, will hold talks with Burnley in the next 24 hours. (Sky Sports)
- Sheffield Wednesday have signed Norwich City defender Michael Turner on loan until the end of the season.
- Leicester City have activated Birmingham City winger Demarai Gray’s £4.7million buy-out clause. (Daily Mail)
- Tottenham may drop their interest in West Brom forward Saido Berahino, 22, because the Baggies are refusing to lower their £25million asking price. (Sky Sports)
- Albert Adomah has handed in a transfer request at Middlesbrough after an alleged bust-up with manager Aitor Karanka. (Sky Sports)
