Here are the main transfer stories circulating on Tuesday morning in Scottish football:
Celtic’s Pursuit of O’Shea
Celtic must wait for Burnley to appoint a permanent manager before gaining clarity on their reported transfer target, Dara O’Shea. Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s manager, is interested in strengthening his defense with the Irish defender. However, Burnley, having been relegated from the Premier League last season, are still in the process of finding a permanent replacement for Vincent Kompany. Consequently, any potential move for O’Shea will only advance once Burnley secures their new manager. Burnley, who paid £7 million to sign O’Shea from West Brom last summer, would likely aim to recover most of that fee.
Another reported Celtic transfer target is Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who is now contemplating his club future following Slovakia’s exit from Euro 2024.
The 35-year-old is among the contenders to replace Joe Hart as Celtic’s No. 1. However, he returns to St James’ Park facing uncertainty about his future, as Newcastle has signed keepers John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos during his international duty.
Regarding his future, Dubravka commented: “I have no idea. I have seen they are talking with other goalkeepers. I need to speak with the manager first. What is the plan for me? What is my future? I don’t know if they want me to stay or not. It is difficult for me because I have been focused on my job with the national team.”
Nsiala on Rangers move
Clinton Nsiala expressed his honor and pride in signing for Rangers as he visited the Light Blues’ training center for the first time.
The 20-year-old French defender has joined from AC Milan, where he moved from Nantes in 2021. Having played for the youth sides of both Nantes and Milan, he is eager to take the next step in his career under Rangers’ manager Philippe Clement.
Nsiala told the Rangers website: “First of all, there’s a huge sense of pride. This club is legendary, with lots of titles and lots of prestige, including in Europe. I’m honestly very honored to sign for this club.
“I know it’s a club that the fans are very committed to. They put so much heart in getting behind the team in every competition. I feel a big sense of responsibility and lots of anticipation and excitement about experiencing the atmosphere too.
“I know he (the manager) coached at Monaco, as well as in the Belgian league. He always puts a lot of faith in young players. As a young player, that was a big factor for me in my decision to come to Glasgow.
“It helps to have a coach like Philippe Clement. He gives a lot of support to young players and that doesn’t make it feel like a big step. Having a coach like that will help me progress, so I’m not focused on the step up from academy to senior level.”
Hibs kid leaves on loan
Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay believes another loan move for Oscar MacIntyre will further his development. The 19-year-old defender has joined Peter Murphy’s Queen of the South for the 2024-25 season.
MacIntyre, who progressed through Hibs’ academy, made his senior debut in May 2022. Last season, he initially went on loan to Queen of the South before moving to Annan Athletic, also managed by Murphy, for the second half of the campaign.
Mackay told the club’s official website: “This is a good move for Oscar, playing in a competitive league that he knows well. The fact that he has worked with their manager (Peter Murphy) before is a positive and shows that he holds Oscar in high regard. This will give Oscar a good platform to build from, and we are hoping he can kick on again this season.”
Lamie lands in Dingwall
Ross County boss Don Cowie is eager to leverage the leadership of Ricki Lamie after the 31-year-old agreed to a two-year deal at Dingwall. Originally set to join Dundee on a permanent contract following his loan from Motherwell, both parties mutually decided not to pursue the agreement.
The Staggies announced Lamie’s move on Monday, and Cowie expressed his enthusiasm on the club’s official website: “We are delighted Ricki has joined the club. Ricki has a wealth of experience in Scottish Football and has leadership qualities that will be a great addition to our football club.”
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