SPFL transfer latest: Rangers defender to fight, Celtic want Man Utd man, Dons in Europe

By Reporter

August 1 2016, 1:15 pm

As the new SPFL season draws ever near, managers seem keener than ever to tie up their main targets.

Sadly for them (and us) that hasn’t gone too well for them today. But fortunately, while there might not be much in the way of done deals, there’s plenty of news and rumours kicking around to keep us all entertained.

For example, are Chelsea about to splash £65million on a player they sold just a few seasons ago? Are Celtic about to miss out on a Man Utd midfielder? Will the Dons need a bus conductor to get past Maribor?

There’s only one way to find out. Here are today’s top stories…

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Top Stories

Celtic are to line up a fifth bid for Aston Villa midfielder Scott Sinclair. They hope to pay around £3million to secure his signature. (Daily Record)

Burnley have joined Celtic in the race to sign Man Utd midfielder Paddy McNair. (Daily Record)

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes expects Maribor to park the bus in Thursday’s Europa League second leg. The Slovenians departed Pittodrie with a crucial away goal in Thursday’s 1-1 draw. (Press and Journal)

Dundee have rejected a £300,000 bid from Birmingham City for winger Greg Stewart. (Sun)

Rangers’ Danny Wilson is determined to fight for his place at Ibrox as manager Mark Warburton seeks to bolster his defensive options. (National)

Defender Gary Warren believes team-mate Jake Mulraney will be an even bigger asset to Inverness when he stops trying to beat defenders two or three times over. The 20-year-old was named man of the match against Arbroath. (Press and Journal)

Nir Bitton is unlikely to feature for Celtic against FC Astana on Wednesday after picking up a suspected medial ligament injury against Barcelona. (Herald)

The 24-year-old has dismissed suggestions that he would leave Celtic for either England or Spain. (Sun)

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Done Deals

None so far.

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South of the Border

Chelsea are preparing a £68m bid to buy back striker Romelu Lukaku – even though Everton do not want to sell the 23-year-old. (Daily Mirror)

Manager Antonio Conte could allow Brazilian attacking midfielder Oscar, 24, to sign for Inter Milan for £30m. (Sun)

Manchester United are inching closer to completing a world-record deal for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, 23, in the region of £100m. (Sky Sports)

West Bromwich Albion are ready to sell striker Saido Berahino, 22, after agreeing a £15m deal with West Ham for Diafra Sakho, 26. (Daily Telegraph)

New Sunderland manager David Moyes will try to sign winger Adnan Januzaj, 21, and forward Will Keane, 23, from his former club Manchester United.(Daily Express)