It’s Thursday, attention is turning to this weekend’s New Firm and Old Firm semi-finals… but most importantly there is only four days to go until that pesky transfer window slams shut.
Not content with signing Gary Mackay-Steven on a pre-contract from Dundee United, Celtic have now returned to Tannadice in an attempt to sign another of their top attacking talents, this time it is Stuart Armstrong who has caught their eye.
West Ham look close to signing two Scotsmen, meanwhile Shola Ameobi has returned to the Premier League, Diego Forlan could be returning to the Premier League and defender Raphael Varane and Matts Hummels could be signing for Premier League clubs for the first time!
Stuart Armstrong
Celtic and Burnley have both had offers turned down by Dundee United for midfielder Stuart Armstrong.
Burnely boss Sean Dyche does not now expect to pursue a deal for the 22-year-old, however, Celtic could make another move.
Dyche is still looking to add to his squad but he does not believe that will be in the form of Armstrong, he said: “Different offers have been in for players. One’s been rejected today.
“He was more of a development style player in our world – a good young player we think who could learn with us. That won’t happen now, by the looks of things.
“We’ve had offers in for more recognised players that haven’t got over the line at the moment, but we’ll see where that takes us.”
Darren Fletcher
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce insists he has not given up hope of recruiting Scotland international Darren Fletcher before the transfer window closes.
The Hammers, West Brom, Celtic and Valencia have all been linked with the midfielder, West Ham appear to be the favourites to land Fletcher’s signature and Allardyce is hoping a deal can be concluded. He said: “It is still a possibility. It’s not dead yet, so it still could happen.
“We’d like a quality player of Darren’s talent, if that’s at all possible, but if it doesn’t happen, we’re not in a position where we desperately need players.
“You have to be patient sometimes. We’re not desperate, as we’ve got several good options in midfield but we want to add to that if we can.”
Stephen Hendrie
Sam Allardyce has confirmed that the club are in talks to sign Hamilton defender Stephen Hendrie.
The 20-year-old flew to London yesterday to undergo a medical and hold discussions over a pre-contract. Allardyce said: “It’s with view to a move in the summer. He’s one for the future, not for now.”
It is believed Hamilton would pocket around £1million in compensation.
Ryan Finnie
Partick Thistle have signed their second player in 24 hours by adding former Hamilton and Rangers right-back Ryan Finnie to their squad.
The 19-year-old Scotland youth international made five appearances for Accies before joining Rangers in March last year.
The defender joins Thistle until the end of the season and arrives after Thistle signed Hibernian left-back Callum Booth on loan.
Down South
Mats Hummels
Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United but speaking to German paper Bild, he was not giving much away and said: “Are you looking for a headline? I’ll keep doing what I have done for the last seven years.
“I’ll take what comes at me and just look forward to the start in Leverkusen and the second half of the season. Everything else I will blend out.
“I am really relaxed and I’m thinking only of what part I can contribute on the field and in the changing rooms, so that we improve and leave the relegation places as quickly as possible.”
Kevin Strootman
Another Manchester United target, Roma’s Kevin Strootman, will undergo surgery on his knee again, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Louis Van Gal hoped to field the Dutch international in his midfield next season but plans for a January or summer move may now be scrapped.
Raphael Varane
The London Evening Standard are reporting that Jose Mourinho is looking to sign Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane in the summer.
Diego Forlan
It is being reported that Diego Forlan could be heading back to the English Premier League, if Tony Pulis has his way.
The West Brom boss is considering a move for the veteran attacker who has also been offered to Hull and West Ham.
Yaya Toure
Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini has confirmed he is considering making a move for Yaya Toure this summer.
Mancini told Italian newspaper Il Giornale: “Yaya is one of the strongest players in the world.
“He has played in so many teams. He has been in leagues in Belgium, Russia, Spain and England. Italy is the one missing. This could be the right opportunity for him to come and try.
“We are building a team. There are players that change the look of a team, and Yaya is one of them.
Jordan Mutch and Shola Ameobi
Crystal Palace have completed the signings of QPR midfielder Jordon Mutch and former Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi.
Mutch has penned a four-and-a-half year contract with the Eagles after spending just 25 weeks at Loftus Road, while Ameobi was a free agent after leaving Turkish side Gaziantep in December.
The 33-year-old Nigeria international has signed a short-term deal until the end of the season.
Jack Cork
Swansea are in talks to sign Southampton’s former England Under-21 midfielder Jack Cork.
The 25-year-old former Chelsea youngster is out of contract in the summer and Swansea boss Garry Monk hopes to sign Cork for a reduced price, although no fee has yet been agreed between the two Barclays Premier League clubs.
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has told Cork that he must decide his future by the end of this week with the transfer deadline looming on Monday.