Scottish Football Transfer news: Rangers near €9.3m cash boost, Barcelona join race for €30m ex-Celtic star, what message to Ibrox chief said, Aberdeen star's contract latest, Scott Brown Celtic 'door open'
It was a huge night for Rangers in Europe on Thursday evening as they took a huge step towards progression.
The Ibrox side hosted Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade in the first-leg of the Europa League round of 16.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men ran out 3-0 winners in what was a comprehensive win in the end but one which had plenty of intrigue, controversy and excitement.
James Tavernier scored from the spot early on, Alfredo Morelos netted another European goal and Leon Balogun headed in the third. The visitors, who played some nice football, missed a spot kick of their own, while they had goals ruled out for offside and hit the bar.
Victory puts Rangers in a commanding position to reach the next round. Doing so would see them become the first Scottish side to progress to the quarter-final of a tournament since Walter Smith’s side in 2008 when the got to the UEFA Cup final.
Focus will switch to the domestic action with a huge Ayrshire derby this evening in the Championship. Kilmarnock are one pint behind league leaders Arbroath, while Ayr United could still get sucked into a relegation battle, although it is unlikely and they will have their eyes set on trying to catch Raith Rovers.
Across Saturday, Sunday and Monday there are the four Scottish Cup quarter-finals, all broadcast live on TV, starting with Hearts v St Mirren tomorrow evening.
Scroll down and click through for all the latest news and transfer speculation from around the SPFL and Scottish football.
1. Rangers fans' message to chief
Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson was the target of fans’ anger ahead of the Europa League clash with Red Star Belgrade. Supporters unfurled three banners. "Better disabled facilities? No,” read one. "Friendly against the animals? Yes,” read the other, referring to the controversial match with Celtic in Australia. They were either side of a picture of Robertson behind a prohibition or no symbol. (Various) Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
2. Hayes pauses contract talks
Aberdeen star Jonny Hayes has revealed he has paused contract talks to focus on the club’s season. The Irish winger is out of contract at the end of the season. He said: “To be honest, that’s probably more down to me. I have not got round to it. I am just trying to concentrate on playing football and that’s it.” (Daily Express) Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
3. Trio of Euro giants want ex-Celtic star
Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund have joined the race to sign former Celtic star Jeremie Frimpong. The right-back is impressing in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, attracting interest from Bayern Munich. It is believed the player could be available for around €30million. (Sport1) Photo: Lukas Schulze
4. SPFL and SFA's Russia blackout
The SFA and SPFL have told broadcast partners to suspend transmission in Russia following the country’s invasion in Ukraine. Match feeds will no longer be available in Russia. The blackout will be for the foreseeable future. (Various) Photo: SNS Group Alan Harvey