Rumour Mill: Celtic to sign Kazim-Richards? | Wright's anger at O'Halloran Rangers photo

Celtic close to deal for Colin Kazim-Richards

Feyenoord’s Colin Kazim-Richards has reportedly flown to Glasgow to hold talks with Celtic.

The striker will add to latest signings Patrick Roberts, on loan from Manchester City, and Erik Sviatchenko from FC Midtjylland.

The 29-year-old has fallen out of favour with the Dutch side, having been suspended for threatening a journalist two weeks ago. (Daily Mail)

Tommy Wright reacts to O’Halloran in Rangers kit mock-up

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright has reacted angrily to a mock-up image of Michael O’Halloran in a Rangers strip appeared on the SPFL’s official website.

O’Halloran has been linked with Ibrox throughout the January transfer window.

Wright blasted what he saw as a premature move by League bosses, telling SkySports it wasn’t fair on his club. (HITC)

Middlesbrough keeping tabs on Jordan McGhee

Middlesbrough are reportedly tracking Hearts defender Jordan McGhee as the Jambos weigh up a highjack Dundee United’s bid for Airdrie keeper Rohan Ferguson.

The Tynecastle side already rejected a move by Ipswich in the summer.

United meanwhile have tabled two failed bids for 18-year-old Ferguson. (Scottish Sun)

Paatelainen ‘not as confident’ about keeping Souttar

Dundee United boss Mixu Paatelainen has admitted he is less confident about retaining John Souttar now that Hearts have made a move for the player.

Hearts were keen to secure the youngster but have yet to improve on their £100,000 bid for the 19-year-old defender.

He said: ““John is a valuable member of the squad and plays all the time.

“Maybe I’m less confident of him signing a deal because a club has offered money for his services.

“That changes things a little bit but we value John and hope he stays.” (The Courier)

‘Billy King younger, cheaper version of O’Halloran’

As the speculation continues around Michael O’Halloran’s move to Rangers, Scotland under-21 boss Ricky Sbragia reckons Ibrox have already signed a ‘younger, cheaper version’ of the St Johnstone forward in Billy King.

Sbragia said: “Rangers are getting someone they know can play championship football week in, week out.

“Someone who has played at places like Alloa before, dealt with the artificial surface, and generally been part of a successful championship campaign.” (The Herald)

Mixed transfer blessings for Derek McInnes

Aberdeen’s attempts at strengthening their squad in the January transfer window were dealt a mixed hand on Friday.

The Dons had been courting Southampton forward Sam Gallagher but their hopes have been dented after reports the attacker will be staying in England.

McInnes will be pleased that Dons target Don Cowie, former Ross County and Caley Thisle midfielder, is now a free agent after terminating his contract at Wigan Athletic. (Press and Journal)

- Aberdeen may have competition for Don Cowie as Rangers throws its hat in the ring.

Former boss Ally McCoist tried to sign the 32-year-old before he signed for Wigan. (Daily Record)

Sviatchenko to make Celtic debut this weekend

Celtic boss Ronny Deila has confirmed that Erik Sviatchenko could make his debut in the League Cup semi-final tie against Ross County on Sunday.

The Danish international joined the club on 17th January and has yet to be fielded by the Celtic Park outfit. (Insidefutbol.com)

NEWS IN BRIEF:

• Celtic agreed an 18-month loan deal for Patrick Roberts worth a reported £12 million. (The Scotsman

• Kilmarnock target Sullay Kaikai is reportedly on the verge of joining Shrewsbury Town on loan from Crystal Palace. (Daily Record)

• The Inverness v Hearts match was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at the Caledonian Stadium. (Edinburgh Evening News)

• 18-year-old Dario Zanatta says he is hungry for more action at Hearts. (The Scotsman)

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