Sheffield United are among a host of English Championship clubs expressing strong interest in Rangers and Scotland defender John Souttar. The Blades have joined Watford and Cardiff City in the race for the 29-year-old, who did not travel with Rangers on their pre-season trip to Spain as he was given time off to consider his future.
Championship Clubs Circle Souttar
Rangers are expected to demand a seven-figure fee for Souttar, who has also attracted interest from Leicester City. However, Souttar is reluctant to drop down to England's League One, where the Foxes currently play. Former Rangers boss Russell Martin is now in charge at Leicester, and Souttar's brother Harry is already with the club but is expected to be sold this summer. West Ham United and Wrexham are both keen on Harry Souttar, but Leicester need to cut their wage bill.
Danilo Set for Botafogo Loan
Striker Danilo, who was also absent from Rangers' pre-season trip, is set to join Brazilian side Botafogo on loan. The final details of that deal are being thrashed out between the two clubs.
Rangers Close to Vanja Dragojevic Signing
Rangers are set to make Vanja Dragojevic their next signing. The final details are being finalised with the agent and the player. A deal of over £4 million has already been agreed with Partizan Belgrade for the midfielder.
Celtic Explore Cooperation Loans
Celtic are in talks over cooperation loans with East Kilbride and Dumbarton. The champions are looking at options to send some of their youngsters out to get first-team exposure. They had a similar agreement with Ayr United last season, when Scott Brown was in charge. The Honest Men took the likes of Jude Bonnar, Ben Summers and Kyle Ure on loan and gave them Championship exposure.
Celtic have since held discussions with League One new boys East Kilbride. Mick Kennedy has had talks with Celtic and Premiership rivals St Mirren over possible agreements. Dumbarton are also on the agenda in League Two. The Sons have already signed 19-year-old Celtic goalkeeper Aidan Rice on loan. A cooperation could open the door for more signings. It would mean either team get players for nothing, but Celtic would be able to recall them or send them back outside the transfer windows. Celtic do not have the same urgency to put players out as they still have their B team which operates in the Lowland League. The Hoops want to get any agreements in place before the domestic leagues kick off.
Dundee United Defender Attracts European Interest
Dundee United's Iurie Iovu is attracting strong interest from across Europe, including from Portugal. The player is going into his final year, with United holding the option of a further 12 months. However, the former Cagliari and Venezia defender appears to be in no rush to leave, stating: “I’m focused now on here and Dundee United. I still have one year more contract. I'm delighted to be here. I'm loving the time here.”
