Four Celtic targets named, Hearts confirm January signing, Rangers loan plans - Scottish transfers

New Year is just around the corner... which means the January transfer window is about to open.

Here are the latest transfer news and rumours across the Scottish Premiership including a quartet of Celtic targets, a confirmed Hearts signing and Rangers’ loan plans.

Hearts confirm January signing

Hearts have announced the signing of Jordi Altena on a deal until 2029. The 22-year-old right-back will officially join the William Hill Premiership leaders on January 1 from Dutch side RKC Waalwijk, subject to Scottish FA approval and international clearance.

Altena began his career with Vitesse, making his senior debut in September 2023, and had a spell with De Treffers before joining Eerste Divisie side RKC Waalwijk, where he scored four goals and provided eight assists in 23 appearances.

Head coach Derek McInnes told Hearts’ website: “It’s good that we’re able to get our business started so early. We’ve got a strong squad here, with options all over the park, but I have spoken before about strengthening in some areas, and I feel that’s what we’ve done by bringing Jordi in.

“He’s got the attributes that we feel can make him a success here at Hearts and hopefully the way he plays will excite the fans.”

Kazakhstan winger Islam Chesnokov is also due to complete his move to Hearts after agreeing a pre-contract deal earlier this year. The club are hopeful he will be in Edinburgh this week at some point ahead of Saturday’s match against Livingston at Tynecastle.

Hearts have signed right-back Jordi Altena from RKC Waalwijk. | Youtube

Four Celtic targets named

Celtic are expected to be busy in the January window amid reports that four positions have been identified as priority areas for new head coach Wilfried Nancy.

According to the Daily Record, Nancy wants a right-back, a right-sided centre-back, a right winger and a striker, with more arrivals possible if there are departures.

One of the key targets has been named as Bournemouth right-back Julián Araujo. The Cherries paid £8.5million to sign the Mexico international from Barcelona 18 months ago but he has struggled to make an impact. Nancy is understood to be a fan of the former LA Galaxy player from his time in the MLS with Columbus Crew and CF Montreal, with Celtic keen to strike a loan deal.

Celtic have also been linked with Crew striker Diego Rossi, although reports claim it would take a bumper offer to prize the 27-year-old Uruguay international away from Nancy’s former club.

Ivory Coast winger Jocelin Ta Bi, of Hapoel Petah Tikva is another reported target for Celtic while the Scottish champions have also been linked with Ibrahim Diabate of Swedish side GAIS.

Celtic have been linked with a loan move for Bournemouth right-back Julian Araujo. | Getty Images

Rangers loan plans

Rangers are prepared to ship out two first-team players on loan during January, according to reports.

Lyall Cameron and Findlay Curtis have both struggled for game-time since the arrival of Danny Rohl who is prepared to sanction loan exits in the window if a suitable club can be found.

Curtis made a strong start to the season, netting three goals inside the opening month including against Panathinaikos in a Champions League qualifier, but has had limited opportunities since.

Cameron also showed signs of promise early in the season following his summer move from Dundee but has only played a total of 13 minutes as a substitute under Rohl.

Rangers’ American owners are expected to sanction a number of new signings in January after what was perceived as a poor summer window. The club has already been linked with a move for Westerlo left-back Tuur Rommens and Wrexham forward Josh Windass.