For both managers and fans, there will be areas of the team that are seen as needing improvement.
The transfer window is likely to pick up activity in the coming days and weeks leading up to the big kick-off on July 30th.
Here’s the latest news and speculation surrounding the transfer market in relation to the SPFL:
Saints sign Murphy
St Johnstone have signed former striker Jamie Murphy from Rangers, Hibs and Motherwell. The 32-year-old left Easter Road after his contract expired and signed a one-year contract with an option for a further year. He said: “The manager has been in touch for a few weeks now, I’ve been running myself since the end of last season and I’m hoping that opportunity will come along.” (Various)
Aribo approaches the Rangers’ exit
Southampton are in talks with Rangers to sign Joe Aribo. The Nigeria international is in his final year of contract and is expected to leave Ibrox this summer. Europa League finalists want each deal to reach £10m under a release clause. However, the Saints are not the only Premier League club interested in the versatile star. (the athlete)
Hearts look elsewhere
Robbie Neilson and Joe Savage will turn their attention to another striker. Hearts were all but priced out for Ellis Simms. The striker was on loan from Everton in the second half of the season and impressed. The Toffees want to sell Simms instead of renting him out. A fee of £500,000 would be manageable but it is understood the player will receive £15,000 a week with interest from clubs in the South. (The Scot)
Ex-Celtic man joins Rangers
Rangers have made a crucial move in the transfer market with the appointment of John Park. The former Celtic recruitment boss has worked for Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers after leaving Parkhead following the arrival of Brendan Rodgers. At Ibrox, he will take on a senior scouting position under athletic director Ross Wilson. (the athlete)
Six-digit fee for Hearts
Hearts will transfer a six-figure fee if Aaron Hickey completes his reported £14million move to Brentford. The Scottish star is on the verge of a Premier League move after two seasons in Serie A with Bologna. A fee of £14m was agreed with £5m in add-ons. When Hickey moved to Bologna, Hearts agreed to a resale clause. (evening news)
Celtic “targets” sought
Celtic face competition if they are to switch for two of the players the club have been linked with. Vinicius Souza is a potential midfield option after an impressive loan spell at Mechelen in the Belgian top flight. Real Betis and Schalke 04 are the latest clubs to be credited with a prospect. Meanwhile, Bologna are eyeing a move for Malick Thiaw, the £8m Schalke centre-back from Serie A. (Various)
Ibrox winger faces change
Falkirk is considering a move for Rangers winger Kai Kennedy. New Bairns boss John McGlynn worked with the striker during a loan spell at Raith Rovers. Kennedy has had spells at Dunfermline, Inverness CT, Hamilton as well as Rovers and has one year left on his Ibrox deal. (Daily express)
Continue reading
Continue reading
Creative power, left-back, future of fringe players – Celtic’s key talking points…