Rumour Mill: Rangers close in on trio | van Dijk

DANNY Wilson, Rob Kiernan and John Eustace are all close to agreeing terms to join Rangers, some English Premier League clubs have dropped out of the race to sign Virgil van Dijk, and Hearts are finally set to complete the deal to sign Gavin Reilly from Queen of the South.
English clubs are reportedly put off by Celtic's asking price for Virgil van Dijk. Picture: SNSEnglish clubs are reportedly put off by Celtic's asking price for Virgil van Dijk. Picture: SNS
English clubs are reportedly put off by Celtic's asking price for Virgil van Dijk. Picture: SNS

Wilson and Kieran close to Rangers deal

Rangers manager Mark Warburton is closing in on his first signing with talks progressing with Wigan Athletic defender Rob Kiernan and former Hearts captain Danny Wilson.

Kiernan was photographed entering Murray Park yesterday while Wilson was also reported to have travelled to the training ground for a medical.

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The former Tynecastle centre-back is expected to sign a three-year contract, sealing his return to the club where he started his career. He left Rangers in 2010 to sign for Liverpool for £2 million. (The Scotsman)

Rangers to add experience with John Eustace

Rangers are close to securing a deal for 35-year old former Watford midfielder John Eustace.

Mark Warburton is said to be keen on the veteran to help guide what the new manager hopes will be a younger Rangers outfit next season.

English clubs are reportedly put off by Celtic's asking price for Virgil van Dijk. Picture: SNSEnglish clubs are reportedly put off by Celtic's asking price for Virgil van Dijk. Picture: SNS
English clubs are reportedly put off by Celtic's asking price for Virgil van Dijk. Picture: SNS

Eustace has made over 300 appearances in the English League and even had a short spell at Dundee United back in the late 90s.

He was also the scorer of the infamous ‘ghost’ own goal from a Watford and Reading match back in 2008. (The Scotsman)

• Warburton has sent a clear message to his Rangers squad that anything less than 100 per cent effort will not be tolerated by the new manager. (Daily Record)

Clubs back away from Virgil van Dijk

John Eustace has spent the last couple of seasons with Derby County. Picture: GettyJohn Eustace has spent the last couple of seasons with Derby County. Picture: Getty
John Eustace has spent the last couple of seasons with Derby County. Picture: Getty

A number of English Premier League clubs are ready to pull out of signing Virgil van Dijk after being put off by Celtic’s £8 million price tag.

The centre back stated his desire to test himself in England’s top tier earlier this month, though his current club are determined to hold onto the player unless an exceptional offer comes in.

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This strategy is said to have put off Tottenham, Arsenal and West Ham, however Sunderland remain keen on the Dutch defender. (London 24)

Kara Mbodj may replace van Dijk at Celtic

Rob Kiernan is on the verge of joining Rangers from Wigan. Picture: GettyRob Kiernan is on the verge of joining Rangers from Wigan. Picture: Getty
Rob Kiernan is on the verge of joining Rangers from Wigan. Picture: Getty

Celtic are reportedly interested in bringing Genk defender Kara Mbodj to the club if they should be forced to sell wantaway centre back Virgil van Dijk.

The 25-year old is comfortable playing in either defence or midfield, and his abilities on the football would make him the ideal replacement for the talented Dutchman.

West Ham are also said to be keen on the Sengalese player. (Daily Mail)

• Despite interest from Lyon, Jason Denayer is likely to remain at Manchester City and push for a first team place having excelled in the SPFL last season. (Daily Mail)

Gavin Reilly to Hearts deal nears completion

Gavin Reilly is due at Tynecastle today to finalise his move to Hearts.

Genk's Serigne Modou Kara Mbodji is on Celtic's radar. Picture: AFPGenk's Serigne Modou Kara Mbodji is on Celtic's radar. Picture: AFP
Genk's Serigne Modou Kara Mbodji is on Celtic's radar. Picture: AFP

A compensation package has been settled with Queen of the South for the 22-year-old striker, who has already agreed terms with the Edinburgh club.

Reilly should put pen to paper this morning on a three-year contract and will join his new team-mates for pre-season training tomorrow. (Edinburgh Evening News)Hearts close to deal for Spanish striker

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Head coach Robbie Neilson could secure the signing of two strikers in a week as the Spaniard Juanma prepares to fly to Scotland.

Hearts have been trying to negotiate his release from the Greek club Kalloni for the past week.

Tynecastle officials have been told he is now a free agent but will seek official documents to confirm that before offering him a contract. Provided all is well, the 24-year-old should sign for Hearts later this week. (Edinburgh Evening News)

Celtic may not need further signings - Kennedy

Celtic first-team coach John Kennedy is confident the club could progress to the Champions League group stage without any additions to the current squad. Kennedy offered up the vote of confidence after Ronny Deila’s side yesterday were drawn against the Icelandic club FC Stjarnan in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

Celtic have been linked with Genk striker Jelle Vossen, full-back Marcel Halstenberg of St Pauli and Hibernian’s Scott Allan among others. However, Kennedy believes keeping transfer business to a minimum should be considered a benefit more than a disadvantage. (The Scotsman)

Kilmarnock sign keeper Jamie McDonald

Jamie McDonald reunites with former boss Gary Locke at Kilmarnock after agreeing a three-year deal to sign for the Ayrshire club.

The pair worked together while Locke was in charge of Hearts, but both were shown the door at the tail end of the 2013/14 season.

McDonald then signed a one year contract with Falkirk, a deal which expired this summer and allowed him to leave the club on a free. (Falkirk Herald)

News in brief

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• Danny Lennon has bolstered his Alloa Athletic squad ahead of the new season by signing Burton O’Brien, Kyle McAusland and Dougie Hill. (BBC)

• Keith Watson has had no contact from Hibs regarding the possibility of extending his stay at Easter Road. (Edinburgh Evening News)

• Myles Hippolyte signs new one year deal to remain with Livingston. (Edinburgh Evening News)

• Partick Thistle unveil new mascot; many are mentally scarred for life. (The Scotsman)