Another Celtic exit, Rangers eye 29y/o, Hibs deal, debut clear, grim reality for one club - Scottish transfers

Another Celtic exit on cards

Celtic defender Stephen Welsh completed his loan move to KV Mechelen on Thursday afternoon, but he may not be the only exit from the Premiership champions’ first-team squad during this transfer window, with speculation rising that winger Luis Palma could be on the way to a La Liga outfit.

Reports in Spain suggest that Rayo Vallecano are set to seal a loan for Palma, who has struggled to become a regular starter under current manager Brendan Rodgers. The Honduran has made ten appearances for Celtic this season, although the majority have come from the subs bench.

It is claimed that Rayo would have an option to purchase in the region of £2 million at the end of the season.

Luis Palma is being linked with a move away from Celtic. | Getty Images

Defender emerges as Rangers target

Serbian defender Sasa Zdjelar is the latest player to be linked with Rangers. The CSKA Moscow centre-half, 29, is reported to be available for transfer this window and the Ibrox side and clubs in Germany are monitoring his situation.

Rangers are facing a defensive crisis currently with Leon Balogun, James Tavernier, John Souttar and Dujon Sterling all sidelined by injury.

Miller’s ‘new Hibs contract’

Hibs defender Lewis Miller is closing in a new contract at Hibs, according to the Daily Record. The Australia internationalist’s current deal expires at the end of the season and Easter Road chiefs are “hopeful” of resolving his long-term future.

Miller, 24, has been a regular starter under current head coach David Gray and can play either at right-back or centre-half in a three-man defence. He is also now a permanent fixture in the Socceroos full squad.

Hibs' Lewis Miller is an Australian internationalist. | Getty Images

Aberdeen new boy cleared for debut

Aberdeen are set to hand new signing Kristers Torbers his debut against Hearts on Sunday in their Premiership clash at Pittodrie after the Latvian’s final pieces of paperwork with the home office were signed off.

An update from the Dons read: “Ready for the weekend. We can confirm that Kristers Tobers has received his work permit and will be available for selection this Sunday.”

Killie’s transfer changes

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes admits his transfer priorities have shifted after strikers Kyle Vassell and Innes Cameron were both ruled out for two months. Vassell had a scan after jarring his lower leg against St Mirren last week and Cameron suffered an injury early in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by Ross County.

“The month of January maybe allows us to deal with certain injury situations,” said McInnes. “We had probably looked at defence as the priority going into the window. While we were always looking at attacking options, because you are always looking for people to improve you at the top end of the pitch, it’s become a wee bit more pressing because of the injuries.”

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes. | Getty Images

St Johnstone predicament

St Johnstone are closing in on a new signing but manager Simo Valakari revealed their grim predicament at the foot of the William Hill Premiership is making his January recruitment more difficult than planned. Saints are eight points adrift at the bottom of the table after failing to win any of their last eight matches since the start of December.

Valakari was confident he could improve their situation with his January business, but he admitted some targets he was hopeful of landing have backed away from the club because of their precarious position. “Yes, 100 per cent, and no hiding (that fact),” said Valakari when asked on Thursday if his club were struggling in their quest to attract players. “And I don’t blame the players because they see (the league position), they feel they have one career, they feel their reputation (could be impacted). Plus, I have to say, you need to be a tough guy to play in this position.”