Scottish football transfer headlines: Leeds United prepare FRESH Ryan Kent bid, Celtic 'should sell' £14m star, Scott McKenna nears Aberdeen exit, Hearts get midfielder boost

A look back at some of the Scottish football news, transfers and speculation from the day
Leeds United could reignite interest in Ryan Kent. Picture: SNSLeeds United could reignite interest in Ryan Kent. Picture: SNS
Leeds United could reignite interest in Ryan Kent. Picture: SNS

How much business is done between now and the end of the transfer window on 5 October is anyone’s guess.

Most Scottish Premiership bosses will likely be relatively content with their squads having had plenty of time to wheel and deal, while also seeing them in action. In the Championship and League 1 and League 2, plenty of business is still likely to be done.

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In recent days, the big deals have been more about players departing the SPFL than arriving as we see from below.

Here’s a round-up of the stories making the headlines from around the SPFL today:

New bid forthcoming for Kent?

Leeds United could return for Ryan Kent in the next two weeks, according to reports in England.

The Premier League side appeared to have cooled their interest in the winger having had a £10million opening offer rejected by Rangers.

However, they have been thwarted elsewhere in the transfer market. Croatian star Josko Gvardiol has opted for a move to the Bundesliga, while there is an unwillingness to match Udinese’s £35million for Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.

It could see Marcelo Bielsa turn his attention back to Kent. The Argentine boss is a big fan of the winger and his ability to play infield.

Celtic 'should sell’ Ajer for £14m

Ex-Celtic ace Charlie Nicholas believes his club would be foolish not to sell Kristoffer Ajer for £14million.

The Norwegian centre-back has been linked with a move to AC Milan, the Italian side confirming their interest in the player.

However, he is not a priority for the Serie A giants.

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Nicholas said: "If Kris Ajer leaves before the transfer window closes, Celtic will need to bring in another central defender.

"AC Milan are reportedly willing to pay £14m for Ajer and if that is indeed the case then I would hire a private jet and drop him off myself at that sort of money."

Old Firm-linked attacker urged to sign new deal

Bright Osayi-Samuel has been linked with moves to both Celtic and Rangers this summer.

The QPR star is in the final year of his contract after rejecting a big money move to Belgium.

The Championship side’s coach Neil Banfield has urged him to follow in the footsteps of Ebere Eze who joined Crystal Palace this summer after a positive season.

"We want him to stay and I think, for his own development, he should,” Banfield said. “If he starts really firing again – and we’re seeing signs of that – I think it’s going to be a great year for him.

“I think that, like Ebere Eze, he’ll have a good year, get goals and assists, and the big clubs will come in for him.”

McKenna nears Forest move

Scott McKenna is nearing a £3million move to Nottingham Forest.

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Reports down south suggested it could be announced today and the total fee could be worth double the initial £3million, once add-ons are included.

Derek McInnes believes he is “deserving” of the move after being linked with a switch to England on numerous occasions.

He said: “Scott is going to have a good career, there is no doubt about that as he has 16 caps, is only 23 and is going to improve.

“He treats everything properly and does everything right. Whether that is a passing drill or recovery after the game – everything is 100%.

“Scott is another one in a long line that has moved on. Not only is Scott a good player, he is a brilliant person, a great boy and I have enjoyed working with him.

“It is always with a heavy heart when you lose good ones”

Hearts rivals seal deals

Hearts’ Championship rivals Dunfermline Athletic and Greenock Morton have completed new signings ahead of the new season.

Celtic midfielder Kerr McInroy has moved to East End Park on a season-long loan deal, while Morton have borrowed striker Ross Maciver from Motherwell for the season.

Huge Hearts boost

Robbie Neilson has been handed a huge boost with Peter Haring’s return to action.

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The Austrian took to the field in Hearts’ 3-0 friendly win over Falkirk at the Oriam.

Liam Boyce, Jamie Walker and Craig Wighton were on the score sheet, but the big news is Haring’s comeback.

Fan delay

Scottish football fans will have to continue to be patient with a delay on when they can return to grounds.

The Scottish Government have announced new restrictions following a rise in positive Covid-19 cases.

It has seen a possible return of fans to grounds from 5 October shelved with the Premiership to continue behind closed doors. Further test events have been pushed back and Scotland’s crucial Euro 2020 play-off clash with Israel will be played in front of an empty Hampden Park.