Rumour Mill: Colin Kazim-Richards signs for Celtic | Mark Warburton urges patience | Osman Sow's Hearts exit

TRANSFER deadline day slammed shut last night '“ we round up the comings and goings in Scottish football yesterday, plus the rest of today's news and gossip

Colin Kazim-Richards is unveiled at Celtic Park. Picture: SNS

Hearts sign trio as Osman Sow heads for China

Hearts stole the spotlight in Scotland on transfer deadline day when as well as confirming the expected signing of international midfielder Don Cowie, they agreed a loan deal for 27-year-old striker Abiola Dauda from Vitesse Arnhem before prising John Souttar from Dundee United.

Dauda is expected to replace Osman Sow, who last night was the subject of a £1 million-plus offer from Henan Jianye in China, where the transfer deadline is not until later this month. (Scotsman)

‘I’m not a bad boy’ says Celtic signing Colin Kazim-Richards

Colin Kazim-Richards brushed off his controversial reputation as he insisted he could be a role model for Celtic’s young players.

The 29-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Celtic after joining from Feyenoord for an undisclosed but modest fee two weeks after he was suspended by the club for allegedly threatening a Dutch journalist.

Once described by Motherwell boss Mark McGhee as “impossible to work with” during a spell at Brighton, he said: “I’ve got two kids, I’m a family man, I’m more mature. I left here when I was 19 and I went to Turkey.”

Celtic also signed Manchester City starlet Patrick Roberts, who admits to idolising Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi. (Scotsman)

Michael O’Halloran delighted Rangers dream came true

Michael O’Halloran expressed his joy at finalising his move from St Johnstone to Rangers yesterday.

“I’m absolutely delighted it has gone through,” said the 25-year-old forward. “I first heard about it early in January, so I’m pleased I’ve finally got here.

“It always crosses your mind that it might not happen. But I just spoke to my representatives and I was always confident. They assured me it could still happen.

Praising Saints manager Tommy Wright after sealing his move to Ibrox, he said: “I could understand why Tommy left me out of the Hamilton game... He was looking after things in what he felt was the best way for the team and for me. He has been great at managing the situation.”

Scotland striker Steven Fletcher signs for Marseille

Scotland striker Steven Fletcher has joined Marseille on loan until the end of the season, effectively ending his Sunderland career.

The 28-year-old’s Black Cats contract ends this summer.

“Sunderland AFC have confirmed that striker Steven Fletcher has joined French side Olympique Marseille until the end of the season, when his contract with Sunderland expires,” Sunderland said on their website.

“The 28-year-old Scotland international could make his debut for Michel’s side in Tuesday’s Ligue 1 game at Montpellier.” (Press Association)

Aberdeen swoop for MK Dons’ Simon Church

Aberdeen have signed Simon Church from MK Dons on loan until the end of the season. The 27-year-old Welshman has been seeking more game time after only starting nine games for the Championship side.

By signing for the Dons, Church is hoping to be in contention for Wales’ Euro 2016 squad.

In other transfer news at Pittodrie, David Goodwillie has been allowed to leave for Ross County. Though the move is only temporary, Goodwillie’s career at Aberdeen appears to be over as he only has six months left on his contract. (Daily Record)

Rangers fans must be patient over signings, urges Mark Warburton

Mark Warburton has pre-empted criticism of the lack of star signings in January by calling for patience among Rangers fans as he continues to plot a path to the Scottish Premiership.

The Ibrox side signed Michael O’Halloran from St Johnstone and youngster Mekhi Leacock-McLeod from Wolves on deadline day. The duo arrived after the club had already sgined Maciej Gostomoski, Harry Forrester and loanee Billy King. Josh Windass and Matt Crooks, both of Accrington Stanley, will join Rangers in the summer.

Warburton said: “If we were eight points behind and third or fourth in the league, it would be different. We are seven months into a project and we lost 16 and brought in 11 players in the summer. We have been top of the league since day one. We are eight points clear, playing one more game, so we are not in bad shape.” (Daily Express)

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