Rangers are working to secure a left-back for manager Derek McInnes before their weekend Premier Sports Cup tie against St Mirren, with the Ibrox recruitment team narrowing its options. AEK Athens' James Penrice and Southampton's Jayden Meghoma are among the candidates, and a decision is expected within the next 24 hours.
Rangers forced into action after injury
The move comes after Tuur Rommens suffered an injury at the weekend that will sideline him for four to eight weeks. Penrice is the preferred option if a loan can be agreed, although AEK initially wanted to sell. Talks with the Greek club are ongoing. Meghoma spent last season on loan at Rangers.
Meanwhile, Rangers defender Clinton Nsiala has turned down a move to Maccabi Tel Aviv. The 22-year-old, who attracted interest from the Israeli club, is still expected to leave Ibrox this summer. He has interest in England and would also be open to moves to France and Belgium.
Celtic ramp up activity
Celtic are stepping up their transfer business. Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur is at Lennoxtown to finalise his £6.8 million move. Chelsea left-back Landon Emenalo is also in Glasgow after completing his medical yesterday; he is expected to join on a season-long loan. Winger Haissem Hassan arrived last night from Real Oviedo.
The club will also advance their interest in Hajduk Split's Niko Sigur, while West Ham United remain in hot pursuit of Arne Engels.
Other moves across the Premiership
Esbjerg want to sign Dundee United's Julius Eskesen. The Danish Second Division side are prepared to offer a long-term deal, with boss Sancheev Manoharan a big fan of the Dane from their time together at Norwegian club Haugesund. The 27-year-old has seen limited game time at United, and it remains to be seen if he would be keen on a return to his homeland.
Dundee will make an improved bid for Bromley captain Omar Sowunmi after their £100,000 offer was turned down earlier this week. Head coach Steven Pressley is keen to add another central defender, with Owen Bevan and Ryan Astley his only two fit options. Dundee also have Matai Akinmboni on trial from Bournemouth, with Pressley considering a season-long loan.
Aberdeen striker Peter Ambrose has knocked back a move to Maccabi Petah Tikva. The Nigerian, who has been surplus to requirements at Pittodrie, is in the final year of his contract. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Diosgyori VTK and has struggled in his two years at Aberdeen.
Arbroath are keen on a loan for Keith Bray, with Dunfermline Athletic considering whether to let the 20-year-old midfielder go out. The Pars signed Bray from Inverness last year and have high hopes for him; regular game time with the Red Lichties could be beneficial.
Aberdeen are also considering a loan move for Jamie Mercer. The 18-year-old defender is returning from injury, and the Dons have high hopes for him. Cove Rangers is one option, with Aberdeen having a cooperation loan with their city rivals.
