Middlesbrough have joined Celtic in expressing an interest in James Penrice. The English Championship side has checked out the AEK Athens defender after Kim Hellberg’s recruitment team flagged up the left-back. The lure of England appeals to Penrice, and the former Hearts player is now waiting to see what comes to the table.
Celtic's left-back search
Celtic have also asked about the 27-year-old’s availability. The Hoops are looking at left-back options and have Penrice and Dundee United’s Will Ferry on their list. They want somebody to compete with and cover for Kieran Tierney and have also been linked with a possible return for Greg Taylor from PAOK. There has been no contact so far on that one.
Patterson attracts Bundesliga interest
Eintracht Frankfurt are keen on Scotland’s World Cup defender Nathan Patterson. The Bundesliga side have made contact with the player’s camp to register their interest. Patterson has always been keen on testing himself in another of Europe’s top five leagues. The ball is in Everton’s court, and it remains to be seen if David Moyes would sanction a move. The former Rangers player is in the final year of his contract and wants to play and nail down the right-back slot with Scotland. Patterson struggled for regular game time last season, and it is unclear if he will get that opportunity with the Toffees going into the new season.
Palaversa attracting interest
Ante Palaversa is attracting interest from England and Europe. The Croatian midfielder has found first-team football hard to come by at Aberdeen this season and has been told he can move on if he finds a club. English side Port Vale are among the clubs interested. The League Two side are looking to win promotion and are interested in the playmaker. Slovenian side Olympija Ljubljana are also an option, with Aberdeen boss Stephen Robinson looking to move on a number of his squad players to cut his wage bill.
Dunfermline target Donnelly
Dunfermline Athletic are keen on Dundee defender Aaron Donnelly and want to land the Northern Irish international on loan. The big centre half has been deemed surplus to requirements at Dens Park, and head coach Steven Pressley is trying to help him get a move that will get him back playing. Donnelly has played his part in pre-season, but Neil Lennon is keen to take him to the Pars, feeling his fellow countryman would strengthen his backline. Dunfermline are looking at a loan deal, similar to the agreement they have struck with Dundee United to bring in Sam Cleall-Harding.
Dundee United and Clyde cooperation
Dundee United are looking to finalise a cooperation agreement with Clyde. They feel some of their younger players would benefit from first-team exposure with the Bully Wee. Jim Goodwin feels that manager Darren Young can also help develop some of United’s top talent. United had a cooperation agreement with Airdrie last season, which brought mixed success. They are confident a deal with Clyde will be more beneficial for all parties.
Cove Rangers eye Mercer loan
Cove Rangers are interested in a loan for highly-rated Aberdeen youngster Jamie Mercer, who impressed Stephen Robinson over the summer but has picked up an injury. Aberdeen want him to get some first-team action and are looking at a possible loan move to city rivals Cove. The Dons already have a cooperation agreement with Paul Hartley’s side, with Joe Teasdale and Dylan Ross having made the move to the Balmoral Stadium. Aberdeen will look at Mercer’s options once he is back fully fit.
Vassell training with Rotherham
Former Kilmarnock captain Kyle Vassell is training with Rotherham United. The forward played for Colorado Springs Switchbacks last season in the USL, but the 33-year-old is now looking to return to the United Kingdom. The Millers have given him the opportunity to try and impress, and he has interest from both sides of the border.
